Hemlocked

£ 4600

Reclaimed Hemlock planks and planing beam mock-up.

These reclaimed planks of Hemlock were once part of the Queens Wharf here in Toronto, Ontario.
The original structure was built in 1833 and cost then, the town of York about £ 4600. Incredible.
Named for Queen Victoria, it stood for generations until quite literally, the city landscape grew up and out of the shore line itself, leaching out into the shallows of Lake Ontario until the wharf all but disappeared through time.
In 2006 while digging a massive sub-structure development, a graveyard of these precious beams were unearthed, dismantled and eventually salvaged. Perfectly ‘pickled’ due to the minerals found in the shore line soil.
Grey and green hues with wonderful old growth rings and grains.  What an honor and privilege to work with this truly unique material. Over the past four days I’ve managed to finally make some shavings and wanted to fill you in on my progress.
This new design will be my attempt to reflect the story of this Southern Ontario shore line while capturing the modern, urban silhouette that only can be Toronto. A truly unique opportunity to create a truly unique piece of furniture.
The cabinet once complete will be displayed here in down town Toronto and will be available for sale. Details to follow.
Here are some quick pics from the week.
cheers!

Straightening the grain.

panels glued

side panel

between the lines

coopered door

Two by two they're glued...

monday morning

times a tickin'
 

When your weekend begins in Utopia, ( seriously, have a look for yourself )
and ends in a Fathers day on Sunday, you’ll find that life is good indeed.
But man if an extra hour would fall my way this week I’d be grateful.
Sometimes Monday comes too quickly and I’m into the wood shavings again with the old salvaged elm 8″ x 8″.

Winding it Out.

What a difference you’ll find working with old growth wood.

So much heavier and denser- I think of it as the real McCoy in a harvested tree from a hundred and then some years ago!

Sounds like a tune eh?

; )
The elm has been downstairs all week in the wood shop and it seems to be getting along quite well with its new neighbor, namely the 2″ x 8″ quarter sawn white oak.
They’ll be working with one another for hopefully the next few hundred years.
In other wood shop news I’ve been drawing a hell of a lot lately and the pencils are shortening at a rapid rate.

So much to do in June I must run now…cheers!

Scribe Lines.