Antonio Tavoletti started woodworking his freshman year of high school (with a one-year hiatus his junior year). He is now a senior, ready to graduate, but not ready to give up his access to the BPHS woodshop.

Tavoletti’s first piece was a mantel clock. As he can remember, it was made of red oak and had a sassafras back.

When asked what his favorite creation was, he hesitated for a bit.

“A chair I designed myself made with black walnut and a live edge. It’s modern and I was always a fan of modern architecture and furniture.”

Tavoletti’s favorite wood is black willow, but that’s only because it is very easy to use.

When it comes to his absolute favorite, though, he is caught between highly figured black cherry burl or black walnut.

When asked what it is about woodworking that he loves so much, Tavoletti said, “It’s therapeutic and it smells nice. Except black willow. Black willow smells like butt.”

So, if you’re looking to start a new hobby, do what Antonio Tavoletti did. Start woodworking, but hold your breath when cutting black willow.