Author: Herbert S Dawson

Herbert S. Dawson brings over 30 years of hands-on woodworking experience to every review he writes. A lifelong Midwesterner, Herbert owned and operated a sawmill and family-run lumber yard for more than two decades, supplying fine hardwoods to turners, cabinetmakers, and custom furniture shops across the region. These days, he spends more time in the shop than on the forklift—turning bowls, building heirloom pieces, and testing the latest tools with a critical eye and calloused hands. He’s especially passionate about helping both hobbyists and seasoned pros get the most out of their equipment without wasting money or time. When Herbert says a lathe has “torque to spare,” he means it—he’s likely tested it with a 12” oak blank just to be sure.