I will use this section to display some of the items that I have created more recently. After a month or so, I will move them to the post that fits the genre of the piece.
13″ CHERRY, MAPLE, WALNUT PLATTER
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
13″ CHERRY, MAPLE,WALNUT PLATTER – 04/24 – My second platter. It consists of 51 segments. The rings from outside to inside are cherry, walnut, maple, cherry, maple and bullitt. I now have a method to make the joints on the concentric rings perfectly tight; all done on the lathe. The finish is teak oil and paste wax.
13″ dia. x 1-1/4″ H
CHERRY AND WALNUT PLATTER
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
9″ CHERRY AND WALNUT PLATTER– 03/24 – My first attempt at a platter. Outer ring is cherry, middle ring is some of the darkest walnut i have ever seen, inner ring is alder. I love the color combination. Finished with hand rubbed teak oil. I’m working on a method to get tighter joints on the concentric rings.
9″ dia. x 1″H
WALNUT BOOK/RECIPE STAND
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
WALNUT BOOK/RECIPE STAND – 03-24 – This book/recipe stand is made from walnut scraps, left over from previous projects. I features: a folding design and a bail to hold the book open. It adjusts to four different angles and folds flat for storage. It is finished with hand rubbed teak oil.
10″W x 8″D x 2-1/2″H
ROUND FRAMED FLOWERS
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
ROUND FRAMED DRIED FLOWERS – 03/24 – I had a few walnut rings left over from the Walnut Spiral Table. So I decided to make them into picture frames. I took some old flowers and embedded them in a disc of epoxy resin to fit the frame.
11″ Dia.
WALNUT SPIRAL TABLE
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
WALNUT SPIRAL TABLE – 02-24 – This was a completely new experience. I had to acquire a “steam engine” and make a form around which to bend the 20 walnut slats . I then had to design and make an assembly fixture. The walnut slats turn about 180 degrees from top to bottom. They are fastened at the top and at the bottom to an “inner ring” and surrounded by an “outer ring.” All the rings have 10 segments that are joined with splines. The legs and table supports are also steam bent. It is finished with polyurethane satin varnish. The shape of the bent slats is not perfectly consistent so they are not spaced evenly. I am working on the second table and hoping to figure out how to get a more consistent bend. I am happy with the design; it is very light and airy.
21.5″ Dia. x 22″ H
RUSTIC PICTURE FRAMES
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
RUSTIC PICTURE FRAMES – 2/24 – These rustic picture frames are made with old barn wood and feature a 1″ strip of birch bark inlayed. I framed a few photos that seemed appropriate.
Each year I usually participate in a few Christmas Craft Shows to support organizations that are of interest to me. High end items usually don’t sell very well at these shows, so, I have learned to make simple, easily reproduced items that will sell for less than $50.
WOOD SPIRAL CHRISTMAS TREES
For a larger view, right click and open the image in anew tab. For a larger view, right click and open the image in anew tab.
Wood Spiral Christmas Trees – 11/23 – Made from wood scraps, these trees offer a simple decoration for Christmas. Perfect to sell at a craft show for $40.
10″ dia. x 20″ tall
RUSTIC WOOD CHRISTMAS TREES
For a larger view, right click and open the image in anew tab. For a larger view, right click and open the image in anew tab.
RusticWood Christmas Trees – 11/23 – Made from wood scraps, these trees offer a simple decoration for Christmas. Perfect to sell at a craft show for $30.
7″ dia. x 15″ tall
CHRISTMAS BOXES
For a larger view, right click and open the image in anew tab.
Pine Christmas Boxes – 11/23 – These Christmas Boxes feature 1/4″ box joint construction, engraved holiday images and a shellac finish. They include a couple small stuffies and a candy cane and sell at craft shows for $20 each.
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab” For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
STARS AND STRIPES HOLLOW FORM – 03/24 – The third version of the Stars and Stripes turnings. This time with horizontal stripes made from (10) segments each. This piece features soft maple (white stripes and stars), padauk (red stripes) and navy blue resin (blue field). The beaded base is African mahogany. I’m still struggling to eliminate all the tiny bubbles and voids in the resin, but, getting better. Finished with hand rubbed teak oil.
8″H x 6-1/2″D
STARS AND STRIPES VASE
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab” For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
STARS AND STRIPES VASE – 02/2024 – Another, and larger, attempt with the “Stars and Stripes” theme. I used a different resin product and it was an obvious failure. The resin pour turned into a frothy mess with holes and voids. However, the red “Padauk” wood species is a much better color for the red stripes. I will do this one again.
8″ Dia x 10″H
STARS AND STRIPES URN
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab” For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
STARS AND STRIPES #1 – 01/2024 – I had a mid-night brainstorm for this turning. Suspend 8 stars in a field of blue epoxy, add eight vertical stripes of maple and mahogany and turn the piece to make an urn (bowl.) Turning is kind of addictive and I’ve been doing a lot of it lately; I think my skill level is increasing with each new effort.
7.5″ Dia x 8.5″H
ROUND WALNUT/MAPLE CANDY DISH 2
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
ROUND WALNUT/MAPLE CANDY DISH 2 – 1/24 – I made this candy dish with left over scraps of walnut and maple; 4-1/2″ squares layered and rotated for the spiral effect. The spiral effect was much better aligned than on the first attempt above. It has a handle made from “red bullitt” and is finished with hand rubbed tung oil.
4-1/2″ Dia. x 7-1/2″ H
ROUND WALNUT/MAPLE/CHERRY BOX
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
ROUND WALNUT/MAPLE/CHERRY BOX – 1/24 – A cherry base and lid surround the alternating walnut and maple slices to form an even transition from walnut up to maple. It has a handle made from “red bullitt” and is finished with hand rubbed tung oil.
4-1/2″ Dia. x 7-1/2″ H
CHERRY BURL BOWLS
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
CHERRY BURL BOWLS – 07/2023 – A fellow woodworker gave me a section of a cherry log with a beautiful burl. It was big enough to make two bowls. This was my first attempt at turning a burl on my lathe into a bowl, but it will not be me last. The larger bowl was the first and I found that it was critical to proceed very slowly in order not to “blow out” the full length split in the rough blank. The second bowl, the conical shaped one, was much more difficult to complete. But, I am happier with the result; the thinner walls and deeper recess make it much more attractive.The final turnings feature beautiful burl grain and are finished with hand rubbed Tung Oil.
8″ Dia. x 12″ H
ROUND CHERRY BOX WITH LID
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
ROUND CHERRY BOX WITH LID – 12/23 – This the left over piece from the cherry burl used for the bowls above. I filled in the large split with wedges of cherry, walnut and maple scraps. The handle on top is turned from red bullitt wood. It is finished with a gloss polyurethane varnish.
5″ Dia. x 8″ High
ROUND WALNUT/MAPLE CANDY DISH
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
ROUND WALNUT/MAPLE CANDY DISH 1/24 – I made this candy dish with left over scraps of walnut and maple; 4-1/2″ squares layered and rotated for the spiral effect. It has a “pawn” shaped handle and is finished with hand rubbed tung oil.
4-1/2″ Dia. x 6″ H
ROUND WALNUT/MAPLE CANDY DISH 2
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
ROUND WALNUT/MAPLE CANDY DISH 2 – 1/24 – I made this candy dish with left over scraps of walnut and maple; 4-1/2″ squares layered and rotated for the spiral effect. The spiral effect was much better aligned than on the first attempt above. It has a handle made from “red bullitt” and is finished with hand rubbed tung oil.
4-1/2″ Dia. x 7-1/2″ H
ROUND WALNUT/MAPLE/CHERRY BOX
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
ROUND WALNUT/MAPLE/CHERRY BOX – 1/24 – A cherry base and lid surround the alternating walnut and maple slices to form an even transition from walnut up to maple. It has a handle made from “red bullitt” and is finished with hand rubbed tung oil.
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Spalted Maple Cutting Board – 2021 – This Spalted Maple cutting board features accent stipes of Blood Red Bullitt wood including the Cross inlays. It is sized to fit over a standard 30 ” Range and create extra counter space.
29.5L x 24″D x 0.625 Thick
LARGE MONTANA CHARCUTERIE
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
MONTANA CHARCUTERIE #1 – 08/22 – This cutting board was ordered by a client as a gift for a wedding shower. It is made from Hard Maple with Red Bullitt stripes. The Oak dot indicates the location of the wedding; Frenchtown, MT. The Back is engraved with the names of the Bride and Groom and the date of the wedding.
24″ W x 14″ H x 7/8″ Thick
MEDIUM MONTANA CHARCUTERIE
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
MONTANA CHARCUTERIE #2 – 11/22 – This cutting board is made from Hard Maple with Walnut stripes. Finished with canola oil it is ready for use as a cutting board or to carry Hors D’ouvres to your guests.
19″ W x 10-1/2″ H x 7/8″ Thick
LARGE MAPLE/WALNUT CHARCUTERIE
For a larger view, right click and select “open in a new tab”
LARGE MAPLE/WALNUT CHARCUTERIE – 11/2022 – This cutting board is made from Hard Maple and features two Walnut and one Cherry stripes. Finished with Canola Oil, it is ready for use as a cutting board or a charcuterie to bring hors d’ouvres to your guests.
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Antique Trestle Wood Bar – 2021 – The bar cabinets were made using salvaged pine wood used in the construction of the railroad trestle bridges built in the 1880s to span the shallows of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. The wood has a great rustic patina. The wood for front of the bar is cut from the 8″ x 8″ beams from the trestle bridges and still has the holes where the trestle parts were bolted together. I decided to route a mountain scene into the front of the bar with snow capped mountains, a river and some wildlife. The bar countertop and shelves are pine slabs up to 3″ thick for the bar and pinned together with walnut bow tie inserts. The back bar is done in marble tiles and has a functional sink. The 8 page story of how the wood was originally used for the bridge construction, salvaged after it was replaced with modern materials and re-purposed is framed and mounted on the wall above the bar.
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Oak Kitchen Cabinets – 2014 – A kitchen remodel using solid oak raised panel doors. Granite Counter Tops by others.
HICKORY BATH CABINETS
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Rustic Hickory Bath Cabinets – 2018 – Made for a new home featuring double vanity and recessed Medicine Cabinets behind the mirrors.
8’L x 24″D x 36″H
RUSTIC HICKORY KITCHEN CABINETS
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Rustic Hickory Kitchen Cabinets – 2019 – Made for a new home featuring Hickory frame-less cabinets, with solid raised panel doors, slow closing doors and drawers with custom interiors.
19′ x 12′ x 8′
HICKORY CHINA CABINETS
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Rustic Hickory China Cabinets – 2020 – Made for a new home, featuring hickory frame-less cabinets with solid raised panel doors, and LED lighting above and below the leaded glass upper doors. The 12″ deep buffet is solid hickory.
8’L x 8’H x 12″D
RUSTIC HICKORY STEREO CABINET
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Rustic Hickory Stereo Cabinet – 2020 – This cabinet is recessed into the void over a stairway and features adjustable shelving and leaded glass doors that are inset into the frame.
Many of the pieces that I have made are unique or don’t really fit into one of the categories, except of course the Odds and Ends category.
HICKORY SKIS
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Hickory Skis – 2016 – I made these skis for my granddaughter, Claire for Christmas 2016. They are solid hickory. I made a bending jig and steam heated the wood. The hardest part was finding a X-country ski boot that would fit a two year old.
42″L x 2.25″W
WALNUT/MAPLE COASTERS
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Walnut/Maple Coasters – 2012 – One of 8 sets that I made as gifts. I laminated pieces of walnut and maple, then turned the assembly on my lathe into a long log and sliced the log into the coasters. The method for the Caddy was similar except the recess was cut with a 3″ Forstner Bit.
3.5″ Dia. x 4.5″H
BLUE BIRD HOUSES
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Blue Bird Houses – 2019 – Claire and Elise enjoyed assembling and painting these bird houses. So far, we haven’t had any renters, 🙂
6″D x 6″W x 10″H
ADIRONDACK CHAIRS
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Cedar Adirondack Chairs – 2019 – I made these chairs for Eric and Maria who both grew up in Michigan but now live in Colorado. Eric grew up in Sterling Heights and Maria in Battle Creek; thus the stars on the chair backs spot their birth locations.
30″W x 40″D x 44″H
LITTLE FREE LIBRARY
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Little Free Library – 2020 – This piece was constructed at the request of Sussex School in Missoula, MT. I is placed in front of the school near the sidewalk.
17″W x 12″D x 38″H
MORTARS AND PESTLES
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Mortars and pestles – 2020 – These are made of laminated walnut, cherry and maple and turned on the lathe then finished with cooking oil. A nice use for small left overs (scrap wood).
3.5″ Dia. x 4″H
OIL STONE BOX
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Oil Stone Box – 2021 – This piece was made at the request of a friend who sharpens all kinds of things. It is African Mahogany with walnut and maple stripes. It features a pyramid top and a contoured base. The oil stone sits in a recess in the base and the recess in the top covers the stone when not in use. Each corner of the base has a small nail projecting out to hold it in place on a work bench.
9.5″L x 3.25″D x 3″H
OAK WINE RACK
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Oak Wine Rack – 2021 – This piece holds 15 bottles of wine.
17″W x 12″D x 17″H
RUSTIC CHRISTMAS TREES
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Rustic Christmas Trees – 2021& 2022 – Made from wood scraps and old pallet wood mounted on a 1/4″ dowel.
8″ Dia. x 13″ Tall
HOT POT SPOT
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Hot Pot Spot Trivet – 2021 – Another use for left overs. I print the text with a laser jet printer, transfer the image to the wood with carbon paper and the freehand route the letters. “The poor man’s CNC Router.
6″W x 10″L
PIGGY BANKS
BRONTOSAURUS PIGGY BANK
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Brontosaurus Piggy Bank – 12-2022 – A Christmas gift for a granddaughter. It s made from a left over chunk of a Norway Maple slab.
10″ L x 7″ H x 2″ Thick
TRICERATOPS PIGGY BANK
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Triceratops Piggy Bank – 12-2022 – A Christmas gift for a granddaughter. It s made from a left over chunk of a Norway Maple slab.
10″ L x 5″ H x 2″ Thick
CHERRY 8 BOTTLE WINE RACK
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
CHERRY 8 BOTTLE WINE RACK – 05-2023 – A basic wine rack design made with left over scraps of cherry wood. It features lap joinery and a tung oil finish. The two identical panels are connected with 1/2″ dowels.
24″ L x 18″ H x 8″ D
JIGS
WOOD WORKING JIGS
Every woodworker knows the value of making a jig to accomplish tasks that are difficult or used repeatedly. We often spend much time making tools that either make a difficult process do able or simplify a process.
LATHE/ROUTER JIG
For a larger view, right click and Open in a New Tab
Lathe/Router Jig – 2017 – I made this jig with aluminum plates and extruded aluminum components. The jig allows the use of a Router in combination with a Lathe for FLUTING and MORTISING on turnings. The router is mounted on an aluminum plate which has rollers that travel in the groove of the extruded aluminum rail and produces very smooth cuts. Stops can be anchored on the rail for precise and repeatable flute lengths. The rails can be adjusted for straight or tapered turnings.
It works on turnings up to 10″ Dia. and up to 44″ Long
For many years my wife Mary and I were members of the parish community at St. Jane Frances de Chantal in Sterling Heights, Michigan. During this time, I was commissioned to create many various pieces to fill the needs of the community worship space. The original furniture, Altar, Lectern, Tabernacle Stand, etc. were made of Walnut and had various numbers of walnut Fluted Columns. The pieces that I made are designed to match that furniture style.
ADVENT WREATHE STAND
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Walnut Advent Wreathe Stand – 2006 – This Advent Wreathe Stand is made from walnut and features Fluted Walnut Columns and a 48″ diameter platform for the wreathe which is tilted from back to front at 20 degrees. Since the Advent Wreathe is only used for the four weeks of Advent, the stand can be dis-assembled for storage in a box specifically designed to safely house the individual parts.
48″Dia. x 52″H
PREDIUEX
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Walnut Prediuex – 2009 – Walnut Prediuexs (Kneelers) two of a set of four pieces feature fluted walnut columns, padded kneelers and a box for books.
28″W x 22″D x 32″H
WALNUT LECTERN
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Walnut Lectern – 2011 – Walnut Lectern features fluted walnut columns, a carving of the “Fluer de Lis,” wiring for a light and microphone, and a platform for a laptop computer that slides out from the right side.
28″W x 28″D x 42″H
WALNUT CUP CADDIES
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Walnut Cup Caddies – 2014 – A set of three caddies designed to safely carry cups of un-consecrated wine to the Altar. For strength the cup holders are made from laminated walnut slices.
15″L x 6″W x 4.5″H
CREDENCE TABLE
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Walnut Credence Table – 2015 – This piece features the fluted walnut columns, two drawers for linen storage and a shelf to store a tray.
32″W x 24″D x 30″H
PRAYER REQUEST BOX
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Walnut Prayer Request Box – 2015 – This piece features the fluted walnut columns, a lockable deposit box for prayer requests and shelves for storage of blank paper and pencils. The Parish had a group of volunteers that would come together once a week and pray for the intentions of the requested prayers.
18″W x 18″D x 42″H
OAK PLANT STANDS
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Oak Plant Stands – 2016 – A set of six plant stands of varied height.
12″W x 12″D x 24″, 30″, 42″H
OAK BOOK STAND
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Oak Book Stand – 2017 – Oak Book Stand made to hold the Missal in the “Day Chapel.”
16″W x 12″D
St. John the Baptist
In 2018, we retired from our jobs and built a new home in Frenchtown, Montana. We joined the congregation at St. John the Baptist Parish in Frenchtown. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church was built in 1884 by french settlers from Quebec, Canada. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Buildings. Since joining this parish community, I have been asked to make several pieces to serve the need of the community.
CHERRY ALTAR
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Cherry Altar – 2020 – I made this piece as a personal gift to the Pastor of the parish for his personal use in the Rectory. He liked it so much that he decided to use it in the “Day Chapel.” When he was relocated to St. Mary’s Parish in Stevensville, Montana, he took it with him to use in the Rectory of that parish. It features solid cherry raised panel construction, a carving, in hackberry wood, of “The Lamb,” candle shelves, and it folds up for ease of relocation.
52″W x 24″D x 40″H
MAHOGANY TRAVEL ALTAR
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Mahogany Travel Altar – 2021 – This travel Altar was made at the request of our Pastor for use in Masses said away from the Church building proper; for example, every summer he leads a 7 mile hike to the top of St. Mary’s Peak in Stevensville, MT. where he celebrates a Mass at the peak. Quite an amazing experience.
The Altar is made from African Mahogany. It weighs 20 lbs. and features storage required items, telescoping aluminum legs, a luggage handle, attachments for back pack straps, and a removable Plexiglas insert for placement of a relic.The images on the arched “back drop” panels were laser etched by others.
19″W x 13″D x 8.75″H (40″ Tall when fully assembled)
OAK CHAPEL ALTAR
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Oak Chapel Altar – 2021 – This Altar was made to replace the one that was relocated to Stevensville. Made from red oak it features fluted oak columns, raised panels, inlay banding and a carving of the “Chi Rho/ Alpha and Omega” symbols in walnut on a fluted maple field. The matching candle stands have a top section that is removable so the candles may be carried in a procession.
72″W x 32″D x 42″H
PASCHAL CANDLE STAND
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
Oak Paschal Candle Stand – 2020 – This piece was made at the request of the Parishioners at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Alberton, MT. It is made from white oak with a white wash finish. It is designed in the “Mission” style and features “through tenons” where the slats meet the top.
12″dia. x 60″H
CHERRY HANDRAILS
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
CHERRY HANDRAIL 04/2023 – The three steps up into the Sanctuary at St. John the Baptist Church needed handrails to assist the elderly and disabled enter. I made the two cherry handrails from cherry wood to match the existing “Communion Rail.”
36″ H x 42″ L
REFINISHED PLASTER CRUCIFIX
For a larger view, right click and Open Image in a New Tab
REFINISHED PLASTER CRUCIFIX – 09/23 – A fellow parishioner inherited this Crucifix from his grandfather’s estate. It was originally finished with a single medium dark brown colored glaze. The finish was peeling and cracking and was in very poor condition. I was asked to refinish the piece. So, I stripped off the old glazing and painted it with artist’s oil paints. The plaster casting depicts two tree trunks forming the Cross and is adorned with a vine and red roses. The completed piece has a clear matte protective spray coating. My friend has donated the Crucifix to the Parish in honor of his grandfather.
Oak Office Ensemble – 1998 – Oak Desk and matching Credenzas and Book Cases. Features include raised panel construction, fluted columns, inlay banding on the surfaces and leaded glass windows.
Desk – 6’L x 42″W x 30″H
Credenza/Bookcases – 12’L x 24″D x 8’H
PHYSICIAN’S DESK
For a larger view, right click and “open image in a new tab”
Physician’s Desk – 2011 – I made this desk for my son, Michael, to celebrate the completion of his residency as a General Surgeon. It features solid oak construction, raised panels, fluted columns, inlay banding and and carved cameos of the surgeon’s symbol, the “Rod of Aesculapius.” The edge molding is constructed with 9 separate pieces of oak to form the 3″ x 4″ molding material.
