Chris Giffrow: YouTuber and Craftsman behind Cow Dog Craft Works
I’m a mostly self-taught woodworker heavily influenced by Japanese tools, Japanese woodworking, and a love for hand cut joinery. This is my journey into craftsmanship.
In 2016 after completing a basic renovation on my recently purchased foreclosure, I realized I needed to outfit the home I planned to live in but had very little money to spend on commercially made furniture. I turned to YouTube with my simple set of tools and created a dining table, then a coffee table, then benches for the dining table, a bed, and so on and so forth.
As the years have passed I continue to want to make things and push myself further. I’ve taken numerous woodworking classes and remain well read in instructional texts of both Japanese and western woodworking, building a variety of things with varying complexity. Along with my YouTube channel, I’ve taught in person classes on tool use and joinery around the country.
I’m a huge proponent of Japanese woodworking tools and their use and often attend Japanese woodworking events around the country to glean more knowledge and elevate my practice. I have a lot of fun competing at the Kezuroukai (hand planing competition) events here in the states and loving pushing myself past my personal limits.
The namesake “Cow Dog” comes from my two senior dogs Eddie and Buddha. They’re black and white. They’re thick. They eat grass. ‘Nuff said.
Follow me on YouTube and Instagram to keep up with my builds, exploits, and check out my blog for updates and articles.
For inquiries regarding custom furniture commissions or for individualized woodworking instruction, please e-mail me directly to book a consultation.