My Shop, My Work and My Standards
Above: My walk to work in the morning, from my house down the path to the shop!
My clients seem to be very interested in how their projects are being designed and built. The way I work is becoming a lost art, so I thought I would write a blog on how my shop runs. I built my shop myself so that I could design the right space for doing my woodworking efficiently. I was on Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach for 28 years but the space wasn't perfect. When I bought my property in Encinitas it was large enough so that I could build the shop I always wanted.
Let me briefly explain our process. My shop is full of equipment, some of it very new and some of it very old, that is used to help me build my projects using a variety of styles, sizes, and shapes. I design each project to fit a client's needs and architecture. Then we choose the wood to be used from over 100 different solid hardwoods I have access to that best fit the style and technical requirements of the job.
Above: This view shows the general workshop and one of the milling areas.
We then mill the wood from rough stock, hand selecting each piece for the project and milling to our specifications, cutting joinery to assemble the pieces so it will last generations, and using the best modern glues. Then sanding to perfection and using only the very best finishes necessary to protect the project, depending on it's location, use, and style.
Above: Milled wood ready to be turned into something beautiful!
Above: Another view of the general milling area. I have large skylights throughout this area for natural light.
Above: Another view of the milling area. The patterns on the wall are jigs and templates that are used for specialized shaping of straight, curved, and compound curved mouldings and sawing.
Above: This is the back side of my shop. Extra large doors open for deliveries. And I do all my hand-forged metal work in the back under the covered areas.
All of my carvings are hand done, not simply bought and applied, and many hours are put into carving the designs so they are perfect. I have taught wood-carving classes in the past and hope to do so again. I feel that wood carving by hand adds a dimension and life to the piece, something you just can't get with a store-bought element, and I hope the tradition of carving by hand continues into the future.
Above: My collection of carving tools
Above: Hand-carved mantle in process.
I believe that future antiques and family heirlooms are coming out of my shop. And that is definitely something worth going the extra mile in my shop.
Above: After a long day, I head home, back up the path.
