Still going strong after 24 seasons of hosting The American Woodshop
Scott Phillips is always on. Over the course of the last few years, as we worked together on articles, photo shoots and videos, I kept waiting for a lapse in enthusiasm or energy. By now I’ve learned that it ain’t gonna happen. That warm, talented, energetic woodworker you see along with his wife, Suzy, on TV is the same guy you meet in person. Scott and Suzy use their show to spread a simple message: If you want something, make it.
WC: How long have you been working wood?
SP: We’ve been married for 21 wonderful years.
WC: Who is your biggest influence?
SP: If you want something, build it. Don’t buy gifts, make them. It doesn’t have to be a big armoire or a highboy— turn a pen or a bowl. Make a bandsawn box. You have these skills at your fingertips. You have all the “tools” in your imagination to make your home, garden and kitchen shine with personal handmade decorative art.
And it doesn’t have to stop there; woodworking is more than furniture and gifts. Make your house your castle. Decorate it with your own trim and wainscoting. Suzy and I not only made all the furniture in our house, we did all the molding and trim work too. We even built the stairs.SP: Woodworking’s Three “R’s”: Restorations, Rebuilds and Recycling. We use reclaimed and upcycled materials that are easy on everyone’s budget. Suzy and I also explore combining wood with metal and glass in artful ways.
WC: Your ratings are higher than ever. Why do you think that is?
SP: Working with your hands resonates satisfaction. And that binds us woodworkers together. More people are taking that message to heart. I don’t preach, but I get the word out there and share ideas.
WC: Any parting words for our readers?
