Sunday, June 16, 2013

Stools + bench Seat for Rhys Thomas


About a month ago now an email arrived in my inbox from Rhys asking if he could come down to the workshop here in Billinudgel, NSW to discus some pieces of furniture that he has designed and wanted made. He brought along with him a proto type and after getting a clear understanding on what exactly Rhys wanted, I was ordering in the materials and sharpening the teeth on my saw blade. Eager to start such an enjoyable job.

The stools and bench seat he has designed are made of two components. The steel leg fitting and Tassmainen Oak. He wanted a timeless look but also matched with endless durability, And by incorporating the steel component into the turned hardwood leg he has achieved both strength and the aesthetically pleasing looks he was after. The turned leg fits seamlessly into the steel component and sits neatly against the circular seat. His partner, Kristie also helped with the design element by giving an nod of approval when choosing the white paint and matt lacquered finish. 





Tuesday, June 11, 2013

If these walls could talk.



Some frames I've made.

Silky Oak & Red Cedar sideboard


Using 100% locally sourced Silky Oak and Australian Red Cedar I wanted to create a sideboard that was simple in design yet paid tribute to age old details and joinery techniques that have sadly been forgotten in today’s mass-produced lifestyle.

  Every joint you see here has been carefully crafted by hand. Millimeter by millimeter I have cut, chiseled and shaved the wood to a perfect fit as you can see on the half blind dovetail and angled mortise and tenon. Not too many people these days are doing this kind of work so I felt compelled to continue a tradition I believe in so strongly. 

I have also incorporated a Blum soft close runner system on both drawers which is usually used on drawers that have a false draw front, however, as these drawers are traditionally made with the Red Cedar front dovetailed to the Silky Oak sides, it created new difficulties to achieve such a smooth pull & retract motion.

 The silky oak used for carcass has been grown and milled in the hills behind Mullumbimby and all came out of the one tree. I have joined the two pieces together to create a book matched effect and mitered the ends to emphasise the continuous grain. 

Enjoy.