Rustic Made USA

Log Furniture Finishing Tips

Charles — Mon, 02 May 2011 11:55:52 +0000

Finishing log furniture by spraying on the finish with a air gun will speed up your operation and make sure you cover your entire project. I use a spray canister that I paint my cars with. I use clear polyurethane by Minwax . One gallon of oil based clear is sold for around $24.00 right now. The oil based polyurethane really brings out the color in the wood.

Making Log Furniture Spring Season

Charles — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:45:39 +0000

Winters on the way out and spring is on the way in. This is the time of year I start making furniture for the summer season. Right now I have a boat load of wood I milled up two years ago. I am not sure how many bedroom sets I’ll make this spring, I usually make two or three complete sets and then I will make side panels because of space restrictions.

Spring is busy because April 1st I will be cutting two truck loads of wood every day until I fill up my wood bin. Also Steel Head is running and the rivers are full of fisherman from all over. Plus Turkey season will be here in a few weeks, so there’s plenty to do. Now that all the snow has melted it lookes like we are going to get hit with one more big storm, we are supposed to get 6″ to 12″ of snow Wednesday night.

It never fails that is why I do not take my plow off until I start cutting wood. Also I have a front axle U-joint that needs to be replaced so I’ll have to clear out my garage/shop and get that done and then start making furniture again. Life is good until next time.

Charles Raines

Pocket Hole Joinery Clamp

Charles — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:40:21 +0000

The new Pocket Hole Joinery Clamp makes using the Kreg jigs easier than ever! I have been building log furniture for a few years now and this Pocket Hole Joinery Clamp will solve a common problem I have every time I put together a face frame.

The joint always walks away from the screw as I am trying to fasten it. This tool will stop that from happening. Here,s an
short video on this great little.

Another great tool to add to your Kreg Pocket Hole Joinery arsenal

Wood Source for Wood Workers

Charles — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:42:55 +0000

Having your own property or friends, neighbors with property with trees on it is a start. I first started out building log beds and they were made out of red pine. They turned out really good, and then I made some 6 drawer dressers. Having material milled up a few years ahead of time is ideal.

I do have one stack drying from last year and now this year I will mill up some more and stay ahead of the game. Having your own supply of wood material to build your furniture with is key. Most property owners probably would not mind if you harvested there dying trees. It does take some work but it will pay off once you get a year ahead in material. Here’s a short video I put together showing some trees I took down.

I try not to get hung up on what kind of wood I use because of price. I try to keep my investment up front low so my profits will be high. It’s mostly labor or time. I don’t rush anything anymore I just work through my projects and they get done.

Wood Sources

Charles — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 23:25:16 +0000

Finding wood sources can be a job sometimes. Here’s a great way to re-purpose an old barn, I know it’s a shame to bring an old barn down. But if it has to be done at least you can get some creative value out of it. We have a lot of old barns that actually collapse under heavy snow loads here in northern Michigan.

I see several barns every day that no one seems to be interested in or it could be that the owner will not let anyone finish taking the barn down. There are opportunities out there if you keep your eyes open and are willing to make the effort to contact the owner. There’s many fine pieces of furniture that could be made out of this material.

Repurpose Rustic Barn Wood

Recovered wood, or wood salvaged from old barns, buildings, and other places, has become more valuable than ever. This wood is often used in many everyday products—from furniture making to home construction and renovation. Learn the basics of salvagi…

Building Rustic Chairs

Charles — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 02:59:14 +0000

Rustic Chairs are a awesome addition to any living area. These Birch Rustic Chairs were ordered by a family that lived 70 + miles away. They actual drove the material out to me and gave me a picture (design) of the chairs they wanted me to build. I built two chairs and drove 30 miles North of us and meet them half way to let them try them out.

They decided on one of the chairs and then I proceeded to build 7 regular rustic chairs and two rustic captain chairs. Projects like these are always fun and exciting to watch as people’s reaction to your work. These rustic chairs are probably the cheapest rustic furniture you can build as far as tools go.

They also provide a very good place to start your rustic furniture business or just making them for your self or friends.

How to Make Rustic Captain Chairs

How to Make Rustic Captain Chairs

Wood Working Is A Good Stress Reliever

Charles — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:42:30 +0000

There’s nothing like working on a wood working project to keep me busy. I don’t have much free time, but when I do get to take a break I always have plenty of wood working projects to do.

Generally I try to make my projects count and build something I can put in my house or yard. Right now I’m supposed to work on a kitchen cabinet. I found enough milled lumber, now I just have to get started.