On a 1990 visit to his relatives in Lanciano, Italy, Jack realized that he must have some woodworking genes. The Esposito-Vitelli family homes had some amazing furniture works of art. Inlayed laminations existed on tables, coffee tables, armoires, cabinets and even chairs. Bookmatched and figure wood abounded. There was a giant carpentry/woodworking shop the size of a barn. Nino Esposito's eldest son Peppino taught architecture and woodworking at the local university. So shortly after Jack and family returned from their expat adventure in Germany, Jack started some very modest experiments in a wookshop in their Park Place home in Mendota Heights. He started with a "five-in-one" Shopsmith Mark 5 machine he bought used from a retiring Northwest Airlines pilot who was moving to Hawaii. The purchase also included a Shopsmith planer and bandsaw. He later parlayed this equipment by selling it piece by piece enabling him to upgrade to first class type DeWalt, Delta and Craftsman power tools. Then, his good friend Dick Huberty was moving and offered Jack his entire woodworking shop for sale which included a Delta jointer and drill press and a multitude of clamps. When Jack and Char moved to another home in Mendota Heights, Jack added an 800 square foot workshop as a third garage plus. Then some serious woodworking began.
Jack has only created projects for his family of 6 children, their spouses, 16 grandchildren and his mom and dad. None were sold. This hobby has provided much enjoyment during retirement which began in 1996. He is now receiving orders from grandchildren as they take on spouses and enjoy new and larger abodes.. Enjoy the woodworking creations by Jack.
Jack has only created projects for his family of 6 children, their spouses, 16 grandchildren and his mom and dad. None were sold. This hobby has provided much enjoyment during retirement which began in 1996. He is now receiving orders from grandchildren as they take on spouses and enjoy new and larger abodes.. Enjoy the woodworking creations by Jack.