Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Fast shipper
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
Great service
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
Me: I was an architect for the Army for a few years. During one of my deployments my unit asked me to transition to a role of being our camp's handyman. So I ran around fixing peoples door nobs and building a lot of things for the command. That's where the woodworking bug bit me, and I've been making a lot of sawdust ever since. I still have a day job as a structural engineer, but I like to build furniture on the side.
Balegedoo: It's a word of gibberish that I started using back when I was in a middle school tech ed. class for the name of my mock business during a project. I decided then, that I liked it and carried the word with me all this time. It was even my nick-name in the Army for a time.
My Work: I have no formal training in woodworking. Which I think of as both a good and a bad thing. As an architectural draftsman I was taught how to see how things fit together long before they are built. I tend to flesh out designs to the point of seeing problems up front, and can adjust the build of something accordingly.
If you'd like to see more examples of my work, I have a website at It houses alot of my work.
Testimonials
What people are saying
William Ritt
For Bench for a dining room table
Russel was absolutely great. Very professilnal and responded to each question promptly. He took the original idea, and made it perfectly and at a great price. Would reccomended his work to everyone. Had a bench made for my wife and she is already planning another project, as she was so happy with it.
HKHanna Kutcher
For Beehive and swarm trap
On a personal level (communication, professionalism, delivery), Russell was a pleasure to deal with. However, the overall quality of the items he built was less than stellar. The wood was gouged, nails poked through, corners were not square. The items looked great upon delivery, but upon closer inspection while I was painting them, I kept finding more and more instances of inexperience, hurrying, or sloppiness. I was not expecting fine furniture level craftsmanship, but this was definitely rough carpentry. On the whole, I'm satisfied, but I had much cleanup (sanding, fixing, filling, filing) to do.
Information
Maker Policies
Shipping Policy
I live and work in south eastern Michigan so it's easiest for me to deliver in the metro area for the price of gas. Pickup at my shop could also be arranged for free. Shipping of items can be tricky, depending on the size/shape of what I'm making for you. So I take it on a case by case basis.
Maker Policy
I'm open to conversation about returns and refunds. I don't make any "stock items" generally I require at least the price of material up front. With a cancellation, I'll refund your money up until the time I pay for the material. Once it's bought it's bought.
