Frequently asked questions.
What type of joinery do you use?
While there are many different types of joinery, and all situations are different, my preferred method of joinery is hardwood dowel joinery. Strong, precise, hidden and versatile, the only danger is that dowel joints seem so very simple at first glance. Simplicity makes it easy to underestimate the importance of getting key details correct, and it’s here where trouble sneaks in.
I use Dowelmax for my furniture builds. Here is a link to their website (this is not sponsored). https://www.dowelmax.com
Where do you get your timber?
I source American grown hardwood locally as most species are readily available here in North Carolina; Walnut, White or Red Oak, Maple (Ambrosia/Curly/Spalted) or Mahogany. My preferred timber is Mahogany. Obviously certain species only grow in other parts of the world and must be imported but I make use of local sawmills, Facebook groups or local dealers for all timber purchases.
What type of finish do you prefer?
My preferred finish is Waterlox Original Sealer, https://www.waterlox.com/original Waterlox Original Tung Oil is a resin-modified tung oil based wood finish. The tung oil provides the best penetrating and drying qualities available while the resin allows the coatings to form a film that is both water-resistant and elastic.
Different from other types of wood finishes, Waterlox offers “best of both worlds” benefits. For example, raw oils penetrate into wood but do not provide any real protection to the substrate. Plus, raw oil finishes need to be recoated often. Urethane coatings lay on top of the surface, look more like plastic, can be brittle and once breached ultimately fail. Waterlox is unique because it penetrates like raw oil, while protecting and nurturing the wood without becoming fragile or having a plastic appearance
Waterlox finishes penetrate into the pores of the wood and build up to a coating that both guards and strengthens the wood. Best of all, it is easy to restore and re-coat.
What kind of projects do you work on?
I enjoy most woodworking projects, or anything that gives me challenge. I started with cutting boards and progressed to tables, case work, furniture and now lathe work. I try to build something different with each project so that I can grow my skillset and develop a better appreciation and talent for the craft.