Well it's a new year and the storms seemed to have passed, at least for the moment. It's warming up and time for more shop time. New this year is this blog. Thanks to my significant other, the corporate exec of the two, I have been encouraged to join the 21st century and start this blog to write about my work of nearly 50 years.
I've been in the business since 1963. Starting by building corn cribs and barns. I started building homes, millwork and furniture just a couple of years later because that was my goal. Especially millwork and furniture. I built both until the 90's when I started installing interiors for some of the nation's largest corporations, along with building furniture in the "off season". A year ago I retired from installing interiors turning that over to the son and began building furniture and millwork full time.
I've called myself a woodwright since the 70's and was surprised to find that the word is not listed in most modern dictionaries. Woodwright is an old English term for someone who works with wood. More specifically it has come to mean someone who manufactures and builds special millwork and fine furniture. All my products are made from veneer plywoods and solid wood. No "particle" board, flake board or composite materials are used.
When building custom furniture for clients, there are more things involved than knocking together a nice looking piece. I begin a dialogue with the client to determine the price range, style and look of the piece. When that is determined, I make a mock up of the piece, if warranted, to give the client an idea of the finished piece.
I begin the construction process by selecting the proper species of wood and grains based on the client's wishes. The initial cut list involves cutting out parts to general size and gluing up panels needed and matching grains to give the best look. Grains can be wild or mild. After glue up it should look like one piece and give an over all flow to the eye. The design should "flow" and not involve abrupt changes as the eye looks over the piece. If the client so desires I will provide pictures of construction and the ability to "follow" along.
After the initial cuts and panels are made, I begin the joinery. Cutting things to size and milling the proper joints and fit. Sub assemblies are glued up and then I pre-sand the piece. These "sub assemblies are then joined to make the finished project. Many things are partially pre-finished which makes a better job and final finishing easier. After the piece is assembled it is finished according to the client's choice. Hardware is installed and it is ready for delivery.
As an artisan I always look froward to comments, ideas, and questions. I welcome your commission to build a piece you will treasure and can pass down through the generations.
