Workshop Log

Behind the Bench

Follow our artisans as we document the meticulous process of shaping raw timber into heirloom pieces. An unfiltered look at the craft, from rough milling to the final hand-rubbed finish.

4 Current Commissions 200+ Hours Sanding 3 New Prototypes

Shop Floor

Recent Discoveries & Techniques

Master artisan cutting dovetail joints
Joinery Focus

Mastering the Hand-Cut Dovetail

While modern jigs offer speed, we recently returned to traditional hand-sawed dovetails for our premium cabinet line. The subtle irregularities reveal the human hand, ensuring each drawer box is entirely unique.

Raw walnut slab

Sourcing Character

We just secured three exceptional black walnut slabs with heavy crotch figure. We are currently stabilizing them for upcoming dining commissions.

The Perfect Grit

After weeks of testing, we've refined our sanding schedule. Stopping at 320-grit before applying our oil blend leaves the pores open enough to absorb the finish, while remaining silky to the touch.

Project Update

The Walnut Dining Commission

01

Initial Milling & Layout

We begin by selecting premium slabs, analyzing the grain to determine the optimal cuts for structural integrity and visual flow. The boards are rough-milled and left to rest, allowing internal tensions to release before final dimensioning.

Rough milling wood slabs
02

Precision Joinery

Traditional mortise and tenon joints are hand-cut for the table base. This structural integrity ensures the piece will withstand generations of daily use without relying on prone-to-fail metal fasteners.

Cutting mortise and tenon joints
03

Hand-Rubbed Finishing

Multiple coats of natural hard-wax oils are hand-rubbed into the surface. We patiently wait between coats, allowing the finish to cure and build a protective layer that lets the innate warmth and texture of the wood shine.

Applying natural oil finish to table top
Stacked wood drying in a kiln environment
8-12
WEEKS
CURING

Material Science

The Patience of the Kiln

Great furniture begins long before the first saw cut. It starts with moisture content. We source locally fallen timber, mill it into thick slabs, and let it air dry for years before introducing it to our specialized kiln.

This slow, controlled reduction of moisture ensures the cellular structure of the wood remains stable. Rushing this process leads to warping and checking later on. We believe that respecting the natural timeline of the material is the ultimate foundation of enduring craft.

  • Carefully monitored humidity levels
  • Relieving internal material tension
  • Targeting optimal 6-8% moisture content

Commission Inquiries

Discuss Your Custom Piece

Whether you have a fully realized vision or just a rough concept, we're ready to collaborate. Reach out to discuss timelines, material selections, and pricing for your custom furniture.