Common Questions and Answers:
* Can you create my unique furniture piece?
* How much will it cost?
* How long will it take?
* What is the quality of your work?
* In what areas do you specialize?
* How did you get started?
* What kinds of wood do you like to use?
* What is your background?
Question: Can you create my unique furniture piece?
Answer: I have a wide range of experience and have worked in many styles. Every piece I make is different, so even if I haven't done something exactly like what you have in mind, I can probably make it if I have a good understanding of what you want. I will give you drafts to approve before you commit to the work. You can come see your work in progress at my shop.
Question: How much will it cost?
Answer: I can’t usually compete with factory-produced furniture. I design and build furniture on a one-of-a-kind basis. As the counter-point to this, we have the freedom to choose exactly what we will make (you have the freedom to design and build exactly what you want).
- I build using materials and methods that insure the piece can last for generations.
- I do all of the work myself.
- I base the price on cost for materials and labor.
- Keeping your budget in mind, I can make appropriate suggestions to control costs.
Answer: It usually takes me longer than I think it will. When I begin work on a piece I try to do every step in such a way that it will contribute to the final overall quality of the finished piece. I usually have a backlog of work and some work in progress, so this will affect the total estimated time to completion. As a general rule, most projects can be completed within six weeks of commencement.
Question: What is the quality of your work?
Answer: I do high quality work. I use materials and construction methods to assure this. Most of my customers who are knowledgeable about custom designed and built furniture feel that my prices are very reasonable for the quality of work. Input from the customer is important to me. I want to know from you what your expectations are and what is important to you.
Question: In what areas do you specialize?
Answer: I specialize in curved, turned and carved works including reproductions and one-of-a-kind pieces.
Question: How did you get started?
Answer: I have always liked to make things.
When I was very young, my grandfather gave me a pocketknife and showed me how to make whistles and sling shots. From then on, the sky seemed like the limit. I began trying to make all sorts of things. Sometimes the results seemed remarkable, other times a rework was definitely in order, but I always had a great time. My father taught me to use the tools he kept for working on the house and he began letting me use them on my little projects. Thanks Dad for your patience and understanding.
Question: What kinds of wood do you like to use?
Answer: I mostly use domestic hardwoods: Walnut, Cherry, Oak and Maple. I sometimes use highly figured woods and veneers.
Question: What is your background?
Answer: Here is a brief summary of my experience:
1968 – 1971: US Navy Aviation Electrician
1971 – 1977: Associates Degree in Fine Arts, 3D Design and Metals.
- Worked in frame shop and gallery.
- Carpenters Union – Carpenter's helper commercial building.
- Laborers Union – commercial building.
- Apprentice Carpenter – residential remodeling and additions.
1984 – 1995: Worked for Austin architectural millwork companies. Manufacturing doors, windows, millwork for banks, offices, hospitals and churches.
1995 – Present: Self-Employed Craftsman
- Specialty Millwork
- Custom Furniture
- Antique restoration and reproduction