The True Essence of Handmade in Australian Woodwork
The word "handmade" often evokes images of skilled artisans meticulously crafting unique pieces with care and precision. But what does handmade truly mean in the context of Australian woodwork? At Australian Woodwork, we believe it's more than just a label—it's a testament to the dedication, skill, and artistry of our craftsmen. Join us as we explore the journey from raw wood to beautifully crafted masterpieces, all created in small workshops across the country.
Modern Tools, Timeless Skills
Today's woodworkers naturally use power tools to save countless hours of hand sawing, chiselling, and sanding. However, these tools still require a skilled hand to guide them and achieve a high-quality product.
The Art of the Arbortech
Our stunning Red Mallee Burl Carved Bowl is crafted using an Arbortech, essentially a mini angle grinder. Guiding it through the intricate matrix of knots and buds in a eucalypt burl requires significant skill and strength. The Arbortech can easily spin out of control, so creating a smooth curve demands many hours, even years, of experience.
Bandsaws, Sanders, and Broken Fingernails
Creating our trinket boxes involves several intricate processes. John Tudehope, for example, begins with the bandsaw, followed by rough sanding, gluing, and fine sanding. He then applies multiple coats of tung oil finish to his delicate trinket boxes. Similarly, Alan Williams hand carves the drawer fronts of his band saw boxes to create unique finger pulls, and Michael Cox uses a bandsaw to slice large pieces of hardwood into his range of red hardwood kitchen utensils, which are then meticulously sanded, edged, and dipped in beeswax by hand.
Masters of the Lathe
Turners who use a lathe are exceptionally skilled artisans, requiring a keen eye and superb manual dexterity. The lathe spins the wood while the turner skillfully applies varying pressure and angles to the chisel to shape the desired forms. Noteworthy examples include Tony Hansen turning a banksia pod into a hollow tealight candle, Trevor Short crafting an orb pepper mill, and Dean Malcolm hand-finishing a beautiful turned form for an exhibition.
Maintaining sharp tools and well-functioning machines is crucial, making woodworkers a handy and resourceful bunch. Even with the convenience of modern power tools, the artisans featured here remain hands-on craftsmen who justifiably label their products as "handmade."
Conclusion
Despite the advancements in modern tools, the artisans of Australian Woodwork continue to honour traditional techniques, ensuring every piece is a testament to their dedication and skill. Their commitment to handcrafted quality means that each item is not only unique but also carries a story of human touch and passion. Whether it's a beautifully turned bowl or an intricately carved jewellery box, the essence of "handmade" is evident in every detail.
At Australian Woodwork, the journey from raw wood to exquisite craftsmanship is a testament to the enduring value of handmade artistry. We invite you to explore our range of handcrafted products and experience the timeless appeal of true craftsmanship.