A Relaxing Oasis in Boston, MA
Imagine waking up and feeling refreshed. Working and feeling inspired. When I look at these images I am reminded, nature is the true designer. Something so peaceful about the mix of materials, light and nature.
When I began working on this walnut slab, I envisioned it as a communal table in a restaurant. Piecing it back together with its other half when a large party wanted to sit together. How wrong I was... This piece wasn't meant for that. It was meant to bring a sense of purpose to this room. To say "I once was broken, but now I am whole. This is where I belong".
My Pith series has been my most unexpected success story in the shop. By taking these often discarded boards, and putting them back together we have found a new purpose. The "Pith", refers to the center of the tree and represent the 1st year of growth. It is a soft, spongy material and generally this board will split right down the middle because of this. But there is another meaning to this word, "The essence of something".
Crafting these pieces takes time, thought, and planning. It all starts at the mill. We take careful measurements when beginning our cuts because your 1st cut dictates how your last cut ends. These cuts are often planned to remove the pith from all other boards. Making them more stable and less likely to crack during the drying and building process. As I mentioned earlier, once these boards have dried they are likely to crack along the pith. We reinforce the cracked boards together again using a variety of techniques (Mortise and Tenon, Bowties, Epoxy, etc...). Here you can see our process and inlaying bowties (other names include butterflies, Dutchmans keys, etc...):
It is our hope that we can continue to salvage these boards to create truly one of a kind heirloom pieces for years to come. Thank you for reading and please feel free to comment or share below!
Massachusetts Farm Tables now ready for delivery
Custom farm tables made in Western MA
Since opening our massive woodshop in Western Massachusetts we have been making additional pieces that are ready to ship. We offer tradition farm tables that are affordable, solid wood, and made to last generations. We have one of a kind slab tables that have characteristics unique to each piece. If you would like a custom table made we can pick through our inventory of slabs and lumber to see if anything works with your dimensions and vision. Here are some pieces that we have in the warehouse for purchase right now:
5' Walnut Boston Farm Table
A classic design for any home
Butternut Slab Rounds
Unique and rare to find butternut slabs this large
6' Berkshires Sugar Maple Table
Bookmatched and nicely figured with black accents
9' Slab Table with cast iron base
Origin: John Adams Museum in Quincy MA
5' Black Walnut Slab with Butterfly Joints
This could be a table, coffee table, or a headboard
7' Greenwhich Ash Farm Table
Photos coming soon!
Shop is open by appointment unless your in the area and want to roll the dice:) If you are interested in learning more about any of these item or something else please schedule an appointment or send us your info below. We would also love to hear you! Please comment below and feel free to share with friends and family. Without you guys, we are just making expensive firewood:)