Westphalia Wood Works
Blog
The following are blog posts that are recent projects, articles of information, and general overall interest. Feel free to leave a comment.
Glue Stronger Than Wood?
Every project built here is assembled using Titebond III waterproof glue. It provides an incredibly strong bond that is stronger than the wood. Below is a test performed by the folks at Popular Woodworking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8tDHXUwBMA Notice the wood...
How Trees Grow
This is interesting. Spend a few minutes with Ron Herman, of Popular Woodworking, looking at growth rings, pith, and medullary rays to understand a bit about how trees grow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERu1WtO3J0k It gives one a better appreciation for the timber...
Cherry Log Stool – Restoration
Some months ago my friend Millie asked me to restore an odd looking log table/chopping block that was lying about on her family farm. Who doesn't like a challenge? It was dirty and the legs were rotted (two were rotted off). It was kept outside for years. The 22"...
“Manly” Endgrain Cutting Boards
With hunting season upon us, spent cartridges and shotgun shells gave us inspiration for an extra decoration on endgrain cutting boards. They will look good for "man caves" or at the BBQ. They would make great Christmas presents. At the moment, we can make them...
How Wood Is Cut and Measured
Our clients frequently ask about the grain patterns (figures) in wood. The pic below explains how a log is milled: For a light-hearted explanation, Stumpy Nubs, a woodworker, explains what a "Board Foot" measurement is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9TTb-QBGLo...
How To Care For Your Endgrain Cutting Board
This is a copy of the text we enclose with each cutting board: Care & Use of Cutting Board This is an end grain design whereas the endgrain is exposed throughout the whole board as opposed to the typical long grain boards that are commonly available everywhere. ...
Milling Timber
During the course of the year, logs are collected from fallen trees on the property, from neighbors, and from utility companies. In most cases, this is the result of storm damage. As we collect them, the logs are cut into 9' lengths and the ends are painted to...
Rocket Scientist Table
Seriously... a NASA Rocket Scientist from Colorado commissioned us to design and craft a Cherry Coffee table. Our client is one of the geniuses that put not one BUT two Rovers on Mars. Think about that for a moment. One was the size of a microwave oven and the...
Monster Cutting Board
A customer in Charlotte, North Carolina ordered a huge 24" x 36" end-grain cutting board. He needed it before July 4th. The choice of wood was mine. This was the result: It is constructed of Black Walnut, Black Cherry, Red Oak, and Curly Maple. It is 1-1/2" thick...
19th Century Osage Orange Table Restoration
Occasionally I am asked to repair or restore antiques. Usually, I avoid restoration work since it involves an enormous amount of time and significant materials for which the client does not want to pay for nor has an appreciation for the amount of work involved, plus...
Odie’s Oil and Why We Use It
Every now and then someone comes along and invents a better mousetrap. Well, James, the inventor of Odie's did just that. The products he invented and offers for sale are second to none, in fact, they are superior to any commercially available products anywhere....
Walnut Farm Trestle Table
I was commissioned to build a Farmhouse Trestle Table using walnut timber milled by her grandfather on the family farm back in the late 1960s or early 70s. The wood was stored in a barn. Over the years the wood had been picked through. What remained was fair but...
TJ Jeep Grill Coffee Table
I was commissioned to design and build a coffee table using a large beveled edge tempered glass table top which would serve as a cover to a Jeep grill made of wood. The table was to be a Christmas gift for her sweetie. Both are off-road Jeepers that do all...
Why Reclaimed Wood?
Why not? Old wood has a patina and character that new wood cannot provide. Only age, use, weather, climate, and temperature can condition wood to a unique look. Any woodworker loves new wood but old wood has a special character all its own. In truth, it's much more...