Don Stafford

Born in East Kentucky, Don Stafford comes from a family rooted in the traditions of Appalachian life for more than 5 generations.  His formative years were spent in a culture that fostered an appreciation of craftsmanship and working with natural materials.  Don’s family migrated to Tampa in the mid-1950s, where he began working with wood in junior high school.  After a career as an engineer, Don trained on the lathe and continued his love of wood turning. Don prefers to turn woods grown here in North America, and to use finishes that allow the natural features of the wood to shine through.  He is currently president of the Florida West Coast Woodturners.