There is considerable interest in “green woodworking” in this day and time. Most think this means using green or wet wood or woodworking without the use of utilities. Some think of it as a way of utilizing the resources available instead of wasting or discarding them. I am completing a “green woodworking” job for a client now that has taken almost two years from start to finish. In a nearby community the decision was made to consolidate and build a new middle school. A parcel of property listed on the National Historic Registry was chosen. The one time prominent building that was on this land was in such bad shape that it was not salvageable. Prior to the demolition I inquired about all the trees that were standing in the way of progress. No one had considered them as a resource. The plan was for the excavating contractor to dispose of these trees. I informed the decision makers that they are a valuable resource and not waste. I struck a deal and trucked all the logs to a local sawmill and had them cut to my specifications. After air drying for a short period I loaded the boards into my kiln to finish drying. The project manager was interested in having something built and placed in the school to help remind the students of the significance of the historic site. I designed and built a three benches each with a custom panel referencing the historic past. Because the benches were built for specific areas in the school each was custom sized for placement, as well as, the size of the children who will be using them- (middle school students). I find great pleasure in taking “waste” wood and creating a useful piece. I hope that throughout the coming decades that these benches are a testament to my work – better than burying the wood as originally planned!
Enjoy your shop time,
Jerill