WHAT'S NEW

Ongoing. Newell Gallery, Waunakee, WI

The Newell Gallery currently has Graber Woodworking pieces in its permanent display. Here you can take time to feel the solid weight and smooth finish of each piece, and take note of the pleasing and distinctive designs they offer. Just north of Madison, the Newell Gallery presents the talented work of many artists from around the country for that special gift or indulgence.

There are also many other exceptional shops and restaurants in ''The Only Waunakee in the World.''

Waunakee Village web site

Newell Gallery web site


Wood to Buy and Sell

I take pleasure and pride in using locally ''found'' wood for many of the pieces I create. To make this happen, I maintain contact with local landowners and organizations that are clearing or selectively harvesting even small quantities of trees. When oak, maple, walnut, basswood, or other types of trees become available and are just the right size and age, I am out ''in the field'' with the skilled sawyer I've been working with for a number of years. Back at the Graber Woodworking studio, I kiln-dry the newly harvested lumber for use in my projects and to sell to other area woodworkers. To buy,sell or to have a project made with your timber please give me a call.


Versatile Veneers

To expand the design possibilities for clients, Graber Woodworking offers custom veneering. There are those who think veneer denotes inferior quality; to the contrary! The majority of furniture masterpieces in any museum are veneered construction. This tradition of highly skilled crafts persons is recorded in history as far back as the ancient Egyptians.

Let's compare techniques. In solid wood construction the log is cut into boards, the boards are subsequently milled, and the piece is built with the boards serving as structure and the finished face. With veneering, the log is sliced (depending on figure required) into thin slices. These slices are carefully joined and taped together into a pattern or design and then that ''sheet'' is glued to an edged sub-straight. Sub-straight material can be a ''lesser'' solid wood or plywood, or MDF (medium density fiberboard). The panel is also veneered on the backside; if the panel is not balanced this way it will warp eventually. Finally, at Graber Woodworking I use the latest in vacuum press technology - a vacuum press is a heavy vinyl bag with an industrial vacuum attached that forces the veneer sheet absolutely flat to the sub-straight with about 1700 pounds of pressure per square inch! The resulting veneered panel is of the highest quality attainable.

When considering how you'd like your piece designed, remember that the most prized and beautifully figured logs are cut into veneer. The choices are almost endless. Feel free to call or email me and we can discuss your woodworking needs whatever the construction.