Updated on January 19, 2000

If you've seen The New Yankee Workshop on PBS, I think you'll catch the pun.  Just so that folks don't get the wrong idea--Yes I'm Chinese and no, I don't mean the title of my shop/website to be derogatory in any way.  My given Chinese name is "Ching" and my last name is "Ky."  For as long as I can remember, my family has called me "Chinky" (Ching-ky).  It's meant affectionately, and yes, you'll have to have my permission first before you can call me by that name.  My legal name is Raymond, but just call me Ray.

So how did I get started getting into woodworking?  It all started with Thomas the Tank Engine.  My nephew was and still is quite obsessed with trains.  He started with a small collection of these highly overpriced Thomas the Tank Engine toys.  I was looking at the Thomas the Tank Engine catalog and saw a train table being sold for over $200!!!  I couldn't believe it and decided I'd try to make one.  I had no prior experience woodworking and I never did take woodshop.  I bought myself a hand saw and got some wood and that's where this whole thing started.  

I used to make fun of how Norm Abram (the host of the New Yankee Workshop) had an unholy amount of power tools and corporate sponsors.  Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on how you look at it), I wound up having a set of machines that's slowly catching up to Norm's collection.  But one thing is for sure, I won't ever wear plaid like Norm! 

So take a look at this site, I hope you enjoy the photos and some of the stories I have to share.    Click on the links on the top left hand side of this website and have a look at The New Chinky Workshop!

After you're done browsing, please feel free to sign the guestbook!  I enjoy reading people's entries!

Email me at curlylyptus@yahoo.com