Philadelphia Woodworks carves out its niche [photos]

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of working with your hands. That’s what drove our guest on this week’s Recap to open a workshop shop where members have access to woodworking tools to shape their creations.

Michael Vogel quit a lucrative job in finance to start Philadelphia Woodworks–a workshop that allows members access to high end woodworking equipment.  It’s been open since 2012.

“I’d spent a lot of years out of college working in the finance world, doing stuff that I was actually good at, but it turns out I actually didn’t like doing it,” says Vogel.  “And I’d always fantasized about having a hobby in woodworking and just being able to spend nights and weekends enjoying using my hands and building.”

After looking around for somewhere to put his hands to use, Vogel found there wasn’t anything like Philadelphia Woodworks.  “And so I figured it was my calling to come do this and change my career path, and bring something fun to my life,” he says.

The center also offers classes to woodworking novices, along with lectures and happy hour events that highlight specific woodworking techniques.

As for his own projects, Vogel says he prefers making small items like jewelry boxes, serving trays, or picture frames.  He says he often gives these away as gifts.

“If you go to my house right now, there’s nothing that I’ve actually made in there, because everything I’ve made here has been given away as a gift for my nieces, for my girlfriend, for anyone in my life who I would love to give a gift to,” he says.