2014 Wood Diamond Award

Main Category: Furniture
Dollar Amount: Under $25,000

Briefly describe your business and the type of products manufactured.
I build completely custom cabinetry and other kinds of woodwork, as well as some furniture. I love a challenge, so I love building things that people can’t get anywhere else. I like to integrate local artists work in my pieces when possible, and I build almost everything myself, from the boxes to the doors, here in my shop.

What materials/species were used in this project/item?
In this table I used pine logs, rustic hickory, reclaimed barn board in pine, Titebond glue, screws, brad nails, Minwax oil based polyurethane finish, Ace Shaker Pine stain, clear plate glass, and custom metal work from a local shop.

Describe, in detail, the project/item’s construction.
I used a Grizzly table saw, Grizzly jointer, Grizzly planer, Grizzly shaper, DeWalt chop saw, Porter Cable sanders, a custom router lathe for making the log tenons, PC routers, a dovetail jig, DeWalt drills, DeWalt circular saw, CMT saw blades, DeWalt and Insty bit drill bits, and Wood tech router bits.
Obstacles: The only obstacle was that we can’t keep it for ourselves! It was so much fun to design and build, that I don’t want him to sell it! We are planning one for the showroom soon.

What is the most unusual aspect or outstanding characteristic of this entry?
I think the most unusual aspect is the blend of hickory, pine logs, and barnboard. It is a good combination. The colors are blend very well, and I love the textures.

List any items that were outsourced (not produced by you or your shop).
We bought the glass, and we had a local person make the metal work for us. The rest was done in the shop.

Please offer a brief explanation of how being a member of the CMA has benefited you and/or your business. 
There is a lot of networking with the CMA, through Linked In, various forums and newsletters, subscriptions to online and traditional magazines, and shows. We enjoy the access to good information, as well as the opportunity to connect with others and ask questions.
The Wood Diamond Contest has afforded us many marketing opportunities, with excellent press releases.