Table Xiii
The white oak beams I salvaged to make this tabletop are from a 1750s farmhouse in Massachusetts which, like most of the buildings of that era, was of post-and-beam construction. The three pieces were once floor joists, each with a tenon cut on both ends to fit precisely into a corresponding mortise in the house beams. Since everything was hand-cut, the craftsmen would label each joist to locate it precisely in a corresponding mortise. One of the beams still clearly shows the "XIII" a colonial carpenter chiseled into it, and I couldn't help but feature that in this table. 7' long, 26" wide, 1 1/2" thick top, finished with clear shellac. Sitting 30" high, atop blackened steel legs.
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Furniture, woodturnings, installations, and reproductions. Made in Grand Rapids with solid wood and love.
I came to furniture and woodworking the long way through general construction, spending many years rehabbing urban rowhomes on the staff of Sandtown Habitat for Humanity in Baltimore, where I was forced to think abstractly and learned to love solving problems and working within restricted budgets.
This translates well to the work I do now, where the projects I love taking on the most involve critical thinking, imagination, and the challenge (and joy) of finding just the right solution to a tricky situation. The projects I love best involve elements I've never done before, which both make me a better carpenter and produce my most creative works.
I try my best to use sustainably harvested and local lumber, or reclaim lumber from barns, houses, and factories around me. I use solid hardwoods, not only for their natural beauty, but because it fits best with my own woodworking philosophies of building to last generations and reflecting the natural properties and character of different wood species. I aim for simplicity and elegance in my work, employing traditional joinery when it's needed, not simply for ornament. I love what I do, and hope you do too.
- AG
Avery Gordon
For Table Project5.0If you're not interested in absolutely stunning, masterfully designed, perfectly crafted wood furniture, please read no further.
My experience working with David on a custom dining table was incredible from start to finish. For the entire duration of our project, he was perfectly communicative, updating me every step of the way with changes, feedback, and much more. I walked into this entire process unsure of what I wanted, but I knew I wanted something unique but not too wild, with many different styles of wood and low-key-and-simultaneously-striking patterns. Basically, my wants weren't the easiest to decipher, but regardless, David always knew exactly what I was referring to and asked all the necessary questions along the way to further understand my desired style. When he delivered the final piece, my mind was totally blown - it was PERFECT and EXACTLY what I was looking for. I'm absolutely in love with my new table - it's unquestionably my favorite piece of furniture that I own and I wouldn't hesitate for one minute to work with David again for my next project. I truly cannot recommend him highly enough, which is likely obvious at this point.
Thank you so much, David!
- BR
Beth Ridley
For Logo Bookcase5.0David made our company a beautiful 3D logo that also functions as bookshelf. He delivered it personally to Boston and installed it directly in the office. We weren't entirely sure what we wanted and he worked with us to solidify our ideas into a design. The final piece is gorgeous and we are extremely impressed with his craftsmanship. David was very responsive and proactive throughout the process and went above and beyond to work within our budget and constraints. I would highly recommend David for any future project.
- MK
Michael Korie
For New Final Measurements for Kitchen Dresser Project5.0I couldn't be happier with David's work from Riftsawn Carpentry. He did a superb job -- it's built to last, with all of the specifications that I wanted including design, wood type, wood color, hardware, handles. The design is exactly what I wanted when I first imagined the project, and he was able to make it even better than what I imagined. It was finished in a timely manner with great communication -- highest recommendation!
JRJulie Raimondi
For 12, 50cm. stackable, open-back boxes, varying lengths in NYC5.0David is a creative, communicative, and expert carpenter. The project he created for me, which he delivered mid-storm, turned out much better than I had hoped--and I hoped for a lot. It was a pleasure to work with him every step of the way. My only regret about David is that I wish I had found him sooner.
- LS
Lauren St. Pierre
For Lauren's castle for a little boy5.0This was an amazing experience. David was extremely diligent and communicated with me regularly. My project was beyond my expectations. I couldn't be happier. Great result.
I highly recommend David at Riftsawn Carpentry!!!
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