I recently learned my finishing mentor – likely he was yours, too – and friend Bob Flexner died at home on December 29, 2024 (read his obituary here). Bob was perhaps best-known for the book “Understanding Wood Finishing,” recognized by many as the bible of all things finishing, and as the long-time finishing columnist for Popular Woodworking Magazine.
That’s how I met him, when I was hired as managing editor for PWM in 2005. I was assigned his column to edit, and was warned that he was persnickety about every change; he was every bit as meticulous about his writing as he was with his finishing research and experimentation.
At first I was a little scared of Bob – but then I called to ask a few questions about his December 2005 column on spray gun maintenance, and we got into a somewhat spirited discussion about comma splices, misplaced modifiers and the like. After that, he trusted me to make minor grammatical and syntactical changes without his approval – but I usually sought his input and OK anyway, simply because I enjoyed talking with him.
When I was working on my first house, Bob was always delighted to wax prolific when answering my (probably) boneheaded questions about floor finishes, the best paint strippers, what kind of brush to use on this type of surface…. He’s why I know about blotching, bleeding and fish eye, and why I’m now pretty good at painting and brushing on shellac. And why I never trust a manufacturer’s application instructions (he’d want me to reiterate that neither should you).
After I left PWM in 2017, I’d email or call Bob every so often to check in and see how he was doing. Then in late 2020, I was hired to copy edit the third revised edition of “Understanding Wood Finishing” and the second edition of “Wood Finishing 101” (Fox Chapel). It was a joy to once again work with him.
I’ll miss our conversations.
– Fitz
I’ve known Mr Flexner solely through his contributions to Popular Woodworking and his authored books. That is more than enough for me to regard him as a fine and honest man and to regard his passing as a profound loss to the community. I will appreciate Bob more deeply whenever I revisit his writings.
Alex beat me to it.
Ave atque vale, Mr. Flexner.
While I was never lucky enough to meet the man, I have read his books and they have taught me so much. Thank you Bob for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with all of us. RIP my friend now you can rest and enjoy the next journey..
Ditto here…. Was just referencing “Understanding Wood Finishes” this morning for guidance on refinishing a table top.