Frank taught me how to make windsor chairs, best teacher ever. i should make some more

Several years ago I took one of the beginner joinery classes at Homestead Heritage there in Elm Mott, Tx. You are one of the instructors there. Watching your video took me back to how much a perfectionist you were and still are, I mean that with the ultimate of respect. Your voice, your attitude and your helpful way of instruction is still remembered today. You are truly a gentleman and fine artist.

Great video, Frank is an inspiration.

Greetings from Australia. At 10:28 I was already inspired by your woodworking and now I need to go and sharpen my block plane! Regards James One Handed Maker

You are a fine craftsman sir.

His creations look like 18th century masterpieces.

That was an excellent video. What a balanced, happy man. Superb hand skills. The economics are interesting. 500 hours for a superb table. Here, in the UK, a finish carpenter earns around £25 per hour. That would equate to a labour cost in that table of £12,500. The material costs are not excessive - say £500. So, I would need to charge £13,000 plus for the table. The number of people who would want to, who could afford to, pay £13,000 is very limited. As a result, there are very few cabinet makers left in the UK making a decent living out of just making. I know a couple who, frankly, make less than £10 per hour- and carry on because it’s the only thing they know. The vast majority of cabinet makers now stubborn the making to the teaching. By and large, the students are either hobbyists ( nothing derogatory about that) or people hoping to make a living. Truth is that the market doesn’t want new, superbly made furniture in anything like the quantities required to feed a guild of cabinet makers. Part of that market is happy with poor furniture, well marketed. Add to that, the insane, almost criminally, low prices that antique brown furniture is making at auctions. I recently bought an 1810 grandfather clock in working order with a case made primarily out of oak. There were a few issues with the case but nothing that a days work didn’t resolve. I paid £80 for it. I bought a lovely Arts and Crafts sideboard - not Gillows or Liberty class but certainly craftsman made - for £130. In the same auctions, 2 rusty industrial lamps went for £200; a very beat up workbench went for £400. That shows where the market is. I desperately hope craftsmen like this survive. I don’t have great hopes.

Incredible that we can all access quality content like this. So impressed with him and his work.

That gentleman is really talented and creative.

His work is unbelievable...just unbelievable! No words. He is the definition of a craftsman! Great video Justin!

I took a class with Frank about a year ago great teacher and Craftsman

I've been binge watching all of your series on makers, these short docs are incredible! Especially this one. Frank is so talented. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.

Every time I see his work, it just blows me away. His marquetry is incredible and his overall attitude to his work is infectious - he really does look passionate about everything he does. I’ve heard about Frank for years, but being in the UK, I’ve never had the chance to see his work up close and personal. Over here in the UK, we have Paul Sellers, who’s the gent on the right of the image of the White House, to whom is also a great figure in woodworking. One day, I hope to be half as good as both these gents. I’m really enjoying these videos - it’s great for an aspiring woodworker who’s trying to find where they belong... like me. Once again, thanks for sharing.

Wow! Absolutely incredible. I grew up with Frank in the early part of my life and vividly remember his dedication to his craft. What an inspiration!

WOW!!! And that's an understatement.

Great video and such talent in a true woodworking master. Thank you both!

Another great doc! I’ve seen about 5 of them now and enjoy each one. I’ll be waiting patiently for the next one to come out!

This is amazing. Absolutely love your story man. I actually use ALOT of my grandfathers old hand tools. And also feel a sense of pride when using them to create a piece!

Incredible work!

I love the old crafts being carried on, and with simple hand tools. Well done Sir. Pass that love onto another young mind. My passion is the wood lathe and then blacksmithing.

Wow! Beautiful work a true craftsman. I love my wood work journey as a hobbyist! And think I’ll keep my day job for now 😅

Great to hear your story Frank!

Take it slowly maybe part time and never squelch your true love of the craft ❤

Incredible works, your passion clearly shows. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

Inspiring. Thank you!

You. Gotta love something ....Master is Fine Art ... One of a kind .Thank you there really arent many mold like you. Blessed to say its the Finest Masters.Amen Hppe yours safe and well .

Wow! Really amazing work. I have to see more .... Cheers

Loved this! So well done! Frank is so knowledgeable and yet seems so gracious. Thanks for sharing this gem!

Wonderful video, I really enjoyed it💓

Great video! I really enjoyed it and Frank is one Talented Woodworker!

Thanks!

Beautiful video. Strazza is one of my top 3 favorite furniture makers

Really enjoy your videos

Watching the video, I was feeling like certain rhythms, certain aspects of the work all felt familiar. Then, I see the photo with Paul and realize, hey, we had the same teacher! I only got to work with Paul for a month, but it changed my life, even though I do not build as my income. I think of it, but am terrified of exactly what was mentioned- having something I love become a burden. To be honest, though, I don't know how to transform my skills in building to a private business.

Video is really well done. I've met Frank several times and he is just like you present him. I remember seeing that rose table at the Texas Furniture Makers Show, maybe 2010 if I remember correct, and was blown away. To say his skill is unsurpassed is not an exaggeration.

Wow!!! Wonderful video!!!

Loved this video.

I really like this channel found you today and will stay for some time.

I enjoyed the video :) and the Frank Klaus reference made me chuckle :P

Should go without saying but Frank does amazing work.

Great work Justin! One of the best Docuvideos I’ve seen.

8:54 when work is too beautiful you don’t even want to use it.

Fantastic work! The dovetail alone at 7:35 made me wanna sharpen my chisels beyond sharp... thank you for a great look here. Was that Paul Sellers in that group?

Inspiring video. Thank You!! I find it curious that Paul Sellers takes full credit for the White House piece, never mentioning it was a collaboration. Hope there's no bad blood going on there. I love to watch both of them teaching their skills.

Far right at 9:54 is Paul Sellers. Check out his channel also. Amazing craftsman.

Good story.

you guys gotta do a video with Frank covering his tool chest, It just looks remarkable

Dudes good

sick

frank strazza is very exstrazzagant. Okay that's all I got.

But why did it have to end?

Anyone know who the other guys are in the Whitehouse photo? I know Paul sellers, but who are the middle three?

Hey, just noticed the link for his Instagram is wrong. Just thought I’d drop a comment and let you know!

Hope young people can pick this up and keep the craft alive. Its unfortunate that they are being removed from the real world and think that its better to be a tick tocker and trying to be one of those fake celebrities.