Yukonstruct member and instructor, Cole Parsons is currently a third-year carpenter working for a small company in Whitehorse. He graduated from a 2-year carpentry program in Nova Scotia in 2017. Carpentry is his passion and he spends the majority of his time in the shop when not at work. His goal is to make every single piece of furniture in his home, except his couch. Cole loves teaching people new skills and opening their hearts up to the love of woodworking. Cole will be leading the Woodworking Maker Academy this Spring.
What is your favourite thing to make?
I love to hand cut dove tails!
What skill or project are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my current project, a Japanese-style desk.
Is there a skill or project that you are intimidated by?
I feel intimidated to build a strip canoe but I will attempt it someday when I have a space at home to work on it.
Do you remember the first thing you made that you felt proud of?
I made an angled TV wall mount that bridged between the sloped ceiling and wall in the corner of my dad’s garage loft. It felt very intricate at the time with all the compound angles.
When you aren’t making things what other interests take up your time?
In the summer, I like to hike and skateboard. In the winter, I like to snowboard and do other fun snow-related activities.
What do you like most about being a member at Yukonstruct?
I don’t think I could do what I do at Yukonstruct anywhere else, it is very convenient and exactly what I was looking for in a shop space. It’s also a great place to learn new skills and meet great people.
Finally, do you have any advice for other makers in the Yukon?
Yes, the Yukon is a very dry place, make sure you climatize your material before working with it.