Rustic-Roughsawn Pieces
Although this type of furniture differs from some of my sculptural pieces, these rustic pieces are a lot of fun to make. I'm lucky to live so close to a few Amish sawmills. They use massive circulars saws to rip down the lumber that leave deep saw marks in the wood. I usually use white oak, but other varieties of wood are available. The oak looks great finished naturally or sometimes a bring out a blow torch and "toast" it, to really create a lot of contrast.
Whiskey Barrel Coffee Table
This client won a Jameson whiskey barrel and wanted a coffee table out of it. I thought toasted, white oak would work well for the top, since the same wood comprises the barrel. The aroma was unbelievable when I cut the barrel in half. I haven't seen very many Jameson whiskey barrels for sale but Jack Daniel's seem to be readily available. Two or more barrels can be added for a larger table.
Roughsawn Table
One of the great things about living here in Eastern PA is the availability of roughsawn oak, that I get from the Amish. The large radial saw blade at the mill leaves pronounced blade marks in the wood that I highlight by "toasting" with a torch, similar to how wine barrels are prepared, for a very rustic look. Available in any size you can think of with a variety of bases ranging from modest dyed poplar to more expensive hardwoods.
Roughsawn Pipe Table
A coffee table with a white oak top made of irregular planks pieced together and roughly planed. Four large Amish oak legs are fastened with black pipe.
