So Why Would A Guy Write A Tool Blog For Women?

That's the question one of my readers asked me. She wanted to know why a guy like me would write a pink blog about women and tools. Well, to answer that I should probably tell you all a little bit about me.....

First of all, I do antique restoration and woodworking for a living. I have been working with my hands for over 3 decades and still enjoy it immensely. During this time, I have learned how to apply just about every finish there is, to cane chair seats, strip furniture, build stained glass windows, rewire lamps, weave rush, carve wood, use a lathe, and, and, and. Let's just say it's a long list at this point and the list gets bigger almost every week, because I love taking on new challenges.

One of the most rewarding things over the years for me has been teaching others how to work with their hands, as well. All anybody had to do was ask my advice and I would jump right in there and lend a hand. It didn't matter what the project was either. Building a deck, or repairing a fine antique, it was all good. So writing a woodworking advice blog actually makes sense for me.

But why for women? I guess that's the real question isn't it? Well, the idea came to me when I was stopped one day in a major home improvement store (again), by a woman who needed help and advice. She couldn't find an employee and I apparently looked like a guy who could answer a question or two. It must have been the sawdust in my hair.

I left the store wondering why once again I had been stopped by a woman who needed project advice. 30 years ago it was a real rarity. But now, it was becoming a common occurrence.

Then it hit me. It was simple. More women ask me for advice, because more women need advice. Here was a case where a woman in a home improvement store really wanted to tackle a project, but needed a guiding hand. In her search of the store, she couldn't find a knowledgeable employee and she somehow found me. Pretty flattering when you think about it.

I went home and did some online research. It seemed to me that there were a ton a woodworking sites out there, but about 99.9% of them were dominated by men who thought they were god's gift to sawdust. I could see instantly how there was probably wayyy too much testosterone in the room for most women to stick around there long.

So, I decided to build a tool and project site for women. No more huge amounts of testosterone. No more pictures of old men with their beer drinking buddies and a chain saw. This was to be a site that women would feel comfortable in. It would answer questions, encourage comments, post tutorials and be somewhat of a meeting place for craftswomen of all kinds. I also wanted to recognize women for some of their great work that I often see out there.

So, that is how Tools Are For Women Too! got it's start about 3 months ago. I hope all of you like it and find it worthwhile. It is a site that is still evolving and I welcome comments. Please let me know if I can help you.