Using green wood issues.

The first 2 coffee tables I made were made using green oak off cuts. I cut them to size and left them to dry out more before I used them but I couldn't wait that long. I just wanted to build something I designed! But now I can see the issues that have developed which will now have to be sorted out. I spent a lot of time squaring every edge to sit perfectly to each other on the top so minimal joint lines were visible. When I finished the table everything was perfect. But now after 3 months of being in a room temp environment the heat has taken its toll on the water in the Oak that was still there when I made it. It caused everything to shrink which caused all the joints to open up as you can see from this picture. 

I have from this table learned that only seasoned wood will need to be used to make something that will not move in a room. The listed at least 12% MC (moisture content) in wood to be used for interior furniture construction is there for a reason. What happened here with the top shrinking is only 1 of many things that can happen from using green (wet) timber.

I have learned not to use green oak for my work even though I have a regular free off cuts supply
 of this ( A friend of mine has an oak framing business). I am keeping hold of the bits I can use still but storing them to dry them out after cutting them to approximate size so I could possibly use them in the coming years. Remembering the rule of thumb. Every half inch thickness should be left to dry for a year.

A little light reading.

I have been researching and learning at the same time as perfecting my joints in my work. I have been flicking through a great book called Wood Work The complete step-by-step manual. This book shows everything you will ever need. It has very clear images and everything is worded so you instantly understand. From how to sharpen hand tools to building a huge welsh dresser step-by-step.

A great book in my opinion!!

A few pictures now on the gallery page

I have put up 4 pictures of 2 coffee tables I have made in the gallery page.  I will upload a few of my other pieces in the next few days.

Starting it all up.

So... I have finally started to pull my finger out and push forward on my business. Around Christmas time (2010) I began thinking I wanted to make something of myself instead of just having a job that pays the bills. At 27 years old I must admit it has taken a lot longer to come to this point than it should have. I knew that I wanted to create something different using skills that I have developed over the years in the woodworking industry building timber buildings.

I got myself a pad of paper and a pencil and set about designing some furniture. I started with a coffee table that I needed in my living room as the one I had was to big for the space I had. I drew up a few designs and came up with one that me and my partner were happy with. I had the good fortune of having a vast array of tools and machines at my place of work which I could use and a large stack of green oak off cuts that were stacked up ready for being burnt. I swiftly saved all of the wood and set about machining the oak to the sizes I needed.

I knew straight away it was oak that I wanted to work with. I have been involved in many oak framed buildings in my place of work which I really enjoyed doing so oak in my mind was the timber I wanted to build with.

Ever since I started on this first coffee table project I have been amazed at how much I enjoyed doing it. I am not trained as a fine furniture maker but I do have a massive attention to detail that I am committed to uphold. I'm researching and learning through books, magazines and the internet in which I have learned a lot. A big chunk of the information I already knew being in the industry but I am learning and improving on my skills every time I make a new piece.

It has now been 5 months since I started making furniture which have all been coffee tables at the moment which I have been building on the part time basis as I still have my full time job. As of today I have 4 very unique designs that are strong, solid, interesting and different. Very different to anything out there at the moment and I have had a lot of positive feedback.

This weekend has been time for me to get myself a blog and a website domain to get my furniture on show.

This is where I am at the moment. I have many designs drafted up which I am excited about making a start on. I hope to get a handful of coffee tables, a few bed frames and a selection a garden furniture made in the coming weeks/ months all from solid oak.