Woodworking

Working with the Reclaimed Materials

The use of recycled wood in fine woodworking may seem a bit confusing. But through the use of recycled materials we are given access to old growth material that is of superior quality than that milled today. By using the wood in a way that respects its history and rejuvenates its full potential we are preserving our limited natural resources and create a product rich in history to be enjoyed for generations to come. Take a closer look and see what really goes into transforming this material, and the benefits of making the effort.

Dismantling Material

One of the most interesting aspects of our work lies in obtaining the material we work with. It takes a lot of sweat and ingenuity to get 14 foot long, bent cask staves into those nicely stacked units that show up at our shop. And we prefer to do it ourselves — to ensure the proper care is taken when deconstructing the enormous tanks and handling the precious commodity.

Selection of Materials

Once at our shop, the reclaimed material goes under the scrutiny of a well-trained eye. Knowing what potential problems may lie under a century’s worth of wear, tear, paint, and nails is critical in selecting only the best material for our work. If the material is not properly graded, the result could be equipment damage or even personal injury from nails colliding with saw blades and knives. The material that doesn’t make the grade for furniture is saved for future projects or sacrificed for heat.

Next: Steam Bending