Hello and Welcome

Thanks for dropping by. I'm Karl and this is my web site to show off some of the things that I do in life. I'm a disabled Veteran that was told to take the stress out of my life or die. So I chose to live and started working with wood. My love for wood started way back in junior high school where I took my first shop class, woodworking. So when I was given a mini lathe and turned my first small bowl, I was hooked on how good it felt to be "working" with wood again. Living In the Pacific Northwest, there was ample wood to choose from, and after one really "good" wind storm, while walking through some of the forest behind my house I "discovered" my first Burl. I literally tripped over it! Started to look to see where it came from, and discovered the trees in the forest. Western Big Leaf Maple. So I went out and bought some "real" tools and a larger lathe, a couple of chain saws and well, as they say, the rest is history. I only harvest wind falls, stumps and dead falls, or trees that are being removed for safety reasons. Soon I had given enough bowls to friends and family that I felt confident to try a couple of farmers markets. I found out people would pay for my work! That meant I could get more tools! Next I entered in to an Art competition by the Veterans Administration. I took first place! and was on to the Nationals. Well I didn't place in the top 3, but what a great boost to my confidence.

During this time, I ended up getting a Blue and Gold Macaw, Beau, and he helps with controlling my stress. He also introduced me to the world of Aviculture. Beau is 6 years old and should live to be 60 - 80. Yes, he is in my will. He has over 90 words, phrases, and sounds he makes, but only when he wants to. We go out in public allot, we have gone to schools, "special" classes and hospitals. He is a good ambassador.

Sculpted Maple Tray and Beau                                                                                            Beau on Tristan's shoulder in 3rd grade Rain Forest days

Just what is it that I "Do"?

I am a wood artist. I make turnings, boxes, tables and just about anything that is done with wood. My love affair with wood started in Junior High School basic wood class. I still have my first wood project and use it often. (Foot Stool)

When I needed to find something to do that didn't cause any "Stress" I started rediscovering woodworking and turning. One of the things that make my turnings different is that I go out and harvest my own Burls, stumps and have access to a mill for their ends and burls that they can't use. I'm looking forward getting my shop back together. I have spent over the last 2 years planning, finding the property and building a house. It is a whole different type of woodworking that has talents all in it's own. For now, I get to figure out how I want my entire first floor's layout for my shop. I'm having all my "Big" machines electrical changed over to 220 volts as I put in 7 circuits with 9 outlets for 220. My equipment will cost less to run, run faster and last longer. I sell very little, but seem to get a good price and people feel that they are getting a good deal too. No two pieces ever seem to turn out to be identical! (I don't even want to try!)

I harvest and cure most of the wood that I use. This really makes a differences in what and when I can do things. Some things get turned "wet or green" others I let get down to 14% or less. the drier the wood, the harder the wood will be. Because Maple is such a hard wood and I use allot of it, (it grows wild around here) and I use the lower 5 feet of the tree. I cut it as low as possible. I tell people that I "want the ugliest, twisted junk wood that you know you won't be able to split" chunks of wood. Lots of people like to just see the wood go to be used for something other than just burned. I have some wood that I have been curing for the last 17-20 years! AND it's still green in the middle! (150+ y/o black walnut stump)

I sell at farmers markets, county fairs, local festivals and do custom work orders from people who have to have their plans ready and can put down 50% of the agreed upon price.

As I'm located in prime fishing and hunting country, I will be making a smoke house and Real BBQ area soon. I should be having some good pictures of both adding onto the house and not only just my turnings, but the rest of what I do with wood.

Check out all the pages here.

Hopefully you will find something interesting. There are many plans for this site and as time allows we will get to it. Until then, thanks for stopping by and enjoy your visit. Karl, "The Wood Butcher"