About Us
Building a Legacy One Project at a Time
My journey began with house construction in Kansas City. After relocating to Nixa, Missouri, and starting a family, I founded Ozark Woodworker. My interests soon expanded to architectural pieces and crafting specialty items for wood carvers in Branson. As the business grew, so did our workspace. My son and I now operate out of a 5,000-square-foot workshop filled with machines that I've amassed over more than 40 years in woodworking and metalworking.
Innovations in Inlay Work and Machinery
Our craftsmanship has evolved to focus on intricate inlay work and ornamental turning. To meet the demands of these specialized crafts, we delved into metalworking and CNC technology. This has enabled us to build some of the machines and fixtures we use, enhancing the efficiency and quality of our work. With every new project, we strive to push the boundaries of what's possible in both wood and metal craftsmanship.
The Genesis of Ozark Tool Manuals
My journey into manual reproduction began when I acquired a wealth of manuals from a man who serviced various machines. We realized there was a demand for this information, especially since the market was filled with overpriced, poor-quality photocopies. About eight years ago, we decided to set a new standard by reproducing manuals ourselves. We aimed to offer the best quality possible at a reasonable price. Each manual we produce is printed on heavy white paper, and every page is hand-scanned and digitally cleaned. If a page has imperfections like hole punches, creases, or greasy fingerprints, we remove them. Sometimes, this even involves redrawing parts of drawings or retyping entire pages.
The Evolution of Ozark Tool Manuals
Initially, we started this venture under the established name of Ozark Woodworker. However, to avoid confusion and to better serve metalworkers and machinists, we transitioned to Ozark Tool Manuals. This change also aligns with our future plans to sell other products unrelated to manuals. We believe in the longevity of older machines and are committed to helping keep them operational. To share the knowledge we've amassed over years of manual reproduction and customer service, we started the Ozark Shop Talk Blog. This platform allows us to share what we learn every day in the world of manuals and machine maintenance.