My Process
BOXES
All boxes are made from domestic or exotic wood from hardwoods. Joinery is either mitered, box (finger) jointed, or dovetail jointed. Sides are typically 3/8" to 5/8" thick depending on box size, which maintains an esthetic balance. I can use 3/4" wood so the sides if you desire. Lids are typically a contrasting wood and 1/2" thick +/-, slip-fit, or hinge mounted to the box using either standard brass, Veritas solid brass stop, or Brusso solid brass stop hinges. Bottoms are laminated baltic birch or hardwood veneered plywood for strength. If desired, trays or dividers are constructed and fit to the insides of the boxes. After construction and final sanding, the boxes are given multiple coats of an oil-based varnish/wax/oil finish, and then hand rubbed with fine furniture wax.
PENS
Pen construction begins by selecting a wood or acrylic, typically 3/4"x3/4"x6". They are cut to one or two blanks depending on the pen style, and slightly longer than the brass tube(s). These are drilled through the center on a drill press with a bit slightly larger than the brass tube diameter. The tube(s) are then either glued into the blank(s) using CA or epoxy glue, and trimmed even with the brass tubes. The blank(s) are mounted on a pen turning mandrel and fit in a lathe, and I do the pen turning by hand to the desired shape, sand, then finish with a durable pen varnish or CA finish, then waxed. The pen mechanism is then assembled into the respective brass tube(s) using a pen assembly press, with attention given to grain matching if two barrels are used.
SIGNS and COASTERS
Signs and coasters of up to 25"x25" are custom designed using design software. Typically the sign blank is chosen from pine, poplar, or beech and is machined to the appropriate size and thickness. The carved piece is sanded, sealed with either shellac or lacquer, then masked with Oramask 813 if painting of the carving is required. The CNC router is fit with the appropriate bits. The coded file is downloaded to the CNC controller, and then carved. Once the carving is completed, the areas are either left wood color, or hand or spray painted. Once dry, the Oramask is removed, the sign is final sanded, then sealed with spray urethane.​
LAMPS
Lamps are custom designed for clients, and always made from hardwoods such as cherry and walnut. The gallery shows a popular an Arts and Crafts inspired lamp design with stained glass inserts and LED lighting.
CLOCKS
I have made clocks in the past for clients, but I do not stock any given that design is so personal. If you have interest in one, please contact me and we can discuss.