Wood is Warm and Rewarding
Father worked in a mill for forty-five years. He and my Uncle Len built our home in Holladay from milled wood, and the outbuildings used for livestock and hay storage also were built from wood brought from the mill. When I was a small boy, Dad would often bring home various hardwoods for building useful household things and remodeling projects. By the time I was in Jr. High I started building my own projects. The love I developed for wood--it's warmth, its texture, it's aroma when worked, the satin feel when sanded smooth and polished, became a part of me. |
As I have traveled about the country, away from my desert home, the things that have delivered the greatest satisfaction are seeing the great trees and their wood products. I marvel over California redwood and Claro walnut, Oregon myrtle, Hawaiian koa, Michigan maple, Texas mesquite, Missouri walnut, cherry and oak, and the bourbon smell of fresh cut ash from Appalachian forests. My favorite woods for crafting furniture and cabinets today are cherry, walnut, rift cut red oak, alder, poplar, and pine. In my shop I have Arizona ironwood, African ebony, Utah Mountain mahogany root, small pieces of exotics from around the world, and of course a few awesome burls for turning bowls. I love each and every wood species and sometimes the uncut board has more value to me than a finished item.
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Our Most Recent Project -- Kitchen Remodel |
Since I retired in "96" the hours spent in my shop hold more value in my memory of things than do all the years spent working at my professional job. Of course I wouldn't change much if I had my life to live over, but don't hold it against me when I tell you it wont be heaven if there are no cabinet saws and hand planes there. Alene and I did all the work ourselves. Installed new apron sink, built new counter tops and cabinet doors, and repainted the whole thing. We love it so much better. |
Below are a few of the items created for family and friends.