All posts by Max Vollmer

I began my journey into building solid wood, traditionally joined furniture while in law school 35 years ago. After a career in agricultural finance, law and business, I felt an irresistible call to do something different with the next chapter in my life. Building furniture was a natural fit. I begin each new project with a commitment to the highest level of craftsmanship. Machines can do the "heavy lifting" but can't duplicate the human quality, the subtle "fingerprints" of the artisan. For that reason, I employ traditional hand tools in shaping every piece. The hand plane, chisel and scraper each play a part in creating a fit and finish that says, "hand built." Every piece that comes out of my shop is designed to serve the practical needs of my clients. But furniture should also be a source of quiet satisfaction . . . an invitation to the hand and eye to come again.

Cottonwood Bowl

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Cottonwood is a very soft wood and for that reason it is not traditionally thought of as material for turning bowls.  However, this morning I drove past a couple of guys who had just cut down a dead cottonwood tree in a front yard and I asked for and was given one of the rounds to cut up and try to turn.  Although dead, the tree had been standing out in the weather and was relatively wet, making it difficult to cut cleanly with turning tools.  Sanding was slow as well.  But a pleasing shape can still be realized with a little patience.  This bowl is 5″ deep and a little over 6″ across.

Weed Pots in February

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This is what you can do with a weed pot/Ikebana vase in February.  I clipped one branch each from my ornamental crab,  ornamental plum, and Mountain ash trees in the back yard.  The pot was turned from a “defect” in an otherwise clear Oregon black walnut board.  (Click on the image to enlarge)

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The walnut pot/vase by itself is 5″ tall, 1.75″ in diameter, and has a 5/8″ diameter slug of steel bar hidden in the base for stability.

Ikebana Vases

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I have a hard time calling these weed pots, although that is their genesis.  The one on the left is Wenge and the one on the right is in Adaman Paduak. They are drilled out and weighted with 5/8″ steel plugs on the bottom for stability.

I started turning utilitarian items (rolling pins, bowls, chair legs, etc.), but I’m starting to see the potential for sculpture.  (Click on the image to enlarge)