Big Tim in the wood shop

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About Me

A Global Upbringing in the 70’s

As an Army brat growing up in the 1970s, my childhood was a whirlwind tour. From Ft. Hood, Texas to the cobblestone streets of Frankfurt, Germany. We traveled the world, visiting amazing places like the castles in Europe, and the fields of tulips in Holland (we even donned wooden shoes and experience wood art while we were there), and we got to explore the miniature city of Amsterdam. Finally, in my early teens, we settled back at my ancestral home in Northeast Harbor, (nestled on the southern shore of Mount Desert Island, Maine).

Big Tim Woodworks

Hand Crafted Woodworks in Edmond, Oklahoma

Our master woodworker blends traditional tools & techniques with a variety of styles to create exceptional wooden pieces

From Vision to Creation: My Woodworking Journey

Woodworking isn't just about crafting hand-built furniture or building structures—it's about bringing dreams to life with your own two hands. Here's a peek into my process, where every wood craft starts as an idea and blossoms into a tangible creation.

The Vision

Every great creation begins with an idea. It's that spark of inspiration that ignites the process. Whether it's a unique piece of Rustic furniture, a custom home décor item such as benches and stools, or even a personalized gift like chessboards and memory boxes, the vision serves as the foundation of my work. This is where creativity knows no bounds.

Pencil Sketch

With the vision clear in my mind, I move on to the sketching phase of my wood products. Using a simple pencil and paper, I transfer my ideas into rough sketches. This step helps me visualize the design and refine the details. It's a crucial stage where I explore different perspectives and iterate on my initial concept until it feels just right.

CAD Drawing

Once I'm satisfied with the pencil sketch, it's time to bring technology into the mix. I use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to create a detailed digital model of the wood products. This step allows me to fine-tune the dimensions, angles, and overall design with precision. The CAD design serves as a blueprint, ensuring that every component fits perfectly during carpentry.

The Build

With the blueprint in hand, I roll up my sleeves and dive into the construction phase. This is where the magic happens—turning raw materials into a finished piece. From cutting board and shaping wood to assembling and finishing, every step is executed with meticulous care and attention to detail. The build is a labor of love, combining craftsmanship and passion to bring the vision to life. To ensure a flawless finish and lasting quality, I rely on Big Tim's Board Butter, which enhances the wood’s natural beauty while providing essential protection.
And there you have it—the journey from an idea to a finished masterpiece. Each step in the process is a testament to the dedication and creativity that define woodworking. It's not just about making things; it's about making dreams come true. 🪵🔨
Big Tim Woodworks in rural Edmond, Oklahoma
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Project Done
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Satisfied Clients
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Our Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do you prefer using screws or nails?

Neither. Most of my woodwork relies on proper joinery and modern wood glue. Modern carpentry uses wood glues which are typically stronger than nails. They penetrate wood fibers, chemically bonding them into a single unit, which creates a stronger joint than nails. With a tensile strength of around 3000 to 4000 psi, wood glue, when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, provides a bond that is as strong, if not stronger, than the wood itself.

Can you explain proper joinery techniques?

Absolutely! At Big Tim Wood Works, proper joinery techniques are essential for creating strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing woodworking projects. Here are some common joinery techniques used in our wood shop:

  1. Butt Joint: The simplest type of joint where two pieces of wood are joined end to end. It’s often reinforced with screws, nails, or dowels.
  2. Miter Joint: Two pieces of wood are cut at an angle (usually 45 degrees) and joined to form a corner. This joint is often used in picture frames and can be reinforced with splines or dowels.
  3. Dado Joint: A slot is cut into one piece of wood to fit another piece. This joint is commonly used in shelving and cabinetry.
  4. Rabbet Joint: Similar to a dado, but the slot is cut along the edge of the wood. It’s often used in the back of cabinets to hold the back panel.
  5. Lap Joint: Parts of both pieces of wood are removed so they overlap and fit together. This joint is strong and often used in framing.
  6. Mortise and Tenon Joint: One piece of wood has a hole (mortise). and the other has a protruding piece (tenon) that fits into the hole. This is a very strong joint used in hand-built furniture.
  7. Tongue and Groove Joint: One piece of wood has a protruding tongue and the other has a matching groove. This joint is often used in flooring and paneling.
  8. Pocket Hole Joint: Holes are drilled at an angle into one piece of wood, and screws are used to join it to another piece. This technique is quick and strong, often used in cabinetry.
  9. Biscuit Joint: Oval-shaped wooden biscuits are inserted into slots cut into both pieces of wood, which are then glued together. This joint is used for aligning and strengthening edges.
  10. Dowel Joint: Wooden dowels are inserted into aligned holes in both pieces of wood. This joint is strong and often used in hand-built furniture.
  11. Dovetail Joint: A dovetail joint consists of interlocking pieces called tails and pins. The tails are shaped like a dove’s tail. Hence the name and the pins fit snugly between the tails. This interlocking design makes the joint extremely strong and resistant to being pulled apart.
Can you explain dovetail joints in more detail?

A dovetail joint consists of interlocking pieces called tails and pins. The tails are shaped like a dove’s tail, hence the name, and the pins fit snugly between the tails. This interlocking design makes the wood product joint extremely strong and resistant to being pulled apart.

Types of Dovetail Joints

  1. Through Dovetail: Both the tails and pins are visible from the outside. This type is often used in box and carcass construction.
  2. Half-Blind Dovetail: The tails are hidden, and only the pins are visible from the outside. This is commonly used in drawer fronts.
  3. Secret Mitered Dovetail: Both the tails and pins are hidden, giving a clean, mitered appearance. This is used for high-end cabinetry and boxes.
  4. Sliding Dovetail: A single tail slides into a corresponding groove. This joint is used for shelves and partitions.

Advantages

  • Strength: The interlocking design provides exceptional tensile strength.
    • Properly made dovetail joints can last for generations.
  • Aesthetics: The joint is visually appealing and often used to showcase craftsmanship.

Disadvantages

  • Complexity: Dovetail joints require precise cutting and fitting, making them challenging for beginners.
  • Time-Consuming: Creating dovetail joints by hand can be time-intensive.

Common Uses

Dovetail joints are frequently used in:

  • Drawer Construction: The strength and durability make them ideal for drawers.
  • Boxes and Carcasses: They provide a strong and attractive way to join the sides of boxes and cabinets.
  • Furniture: High-quality furniture often features dovetail joints to ensure longevity.

Mastering dovetail joints can significantly elevate the quality and durability of your woodworking projects.

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