Eric Meyer
Woodworker
Chatham, IL, USA
Recommended by American Craft Council
Strength in simple tools
- Eric makes bespoke woodworking tools, as well as handmade furniture and décor
- His creations are mostly made from North American hard and soft wood species
- He enjoys the challenge of woodworking without power tools
In his studio in central Illinois, Eric Meyer crafts his own hand tools. Based on historic designs and crafted from wood and metal, his planes, calipers, chisels and hammers combine traditional and contemporary methods. “I try to learn what I can and blend it into my own practice,” Eric says. In addition to the bespoke tools, which are typically made for other woodworkers, he also creates wood furniture and décor. While he keeps a few power tools around, Eric prefers working with hand tools. The process and experience of making, which he often documents on video and posts to his YouTube channel, are just as important to him as the outcome. “Passing on what I have learned is as important to me as the craft itself," Eric explains.
INTERVIEW
I decided to make my own tools because the ones I was interested in simply were not available. They were either made by a few specialists around the world, were out of my price range, or were on display in museums.
I prefer North American hard and soft woods, especially for hand tool work. They strike a perfect balance between beauty and easy to work. For metal, I favour mild steel and brass for the same reason: they work well with a simple tool set.
I grew up in a very old home. Surrounded by its original architecture and my parents' renovation work, I was exposed to craftsmanship from a very young age.
Through study and experimentation, I explore traditional tools, materials and methods until they feel natural in my hands. Then, I integrate them into contemporary practices. That meeting point is where the work comes alive.
