africanchippy

Mosselbay, ZA
member

I live in South Africa, in an area known as "The Garden Route" due to its abundant forests. I earn my living working wood in many different ways - from logging and running a small sawmill to making fine furniture, kitchens and even sculpture. Whatever comes, as long as its timber! Been at it for more than 20 years, all over the world. Built and restored wooden boats in Cape Town, did alterations to super yachts in the Caribbean, built houses, decks and trim carpentry in the US.
Having served an apprenticeship under an old school German master shipwright, I use traditional handtools a lot but have no problem combining the old with the new. I am more passionate about wood than ever and make sawdust every day.

Gender: Male

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Contributions

Tri Table

May 6, 2009

I made two of these little side tables for a very modern home. The timber used was Match Poplar for both the tops and the legs. I ebonized the legs using a traditional vinegarsteelwool...

Boxed Comparisons

May 1, 2009

It ain't furniture, but pure sculpture! This wall hanging piece (16 x 28 x around 4) was made from interesting pine offcuts that I threw in a box under my bench over a period of time. It was stained...

Contemporary occasional table

Apr 25, 2009
1 comment

My client wanted an occasional table with a very contemporary look. This is what I turned out and he is happy. The legs and aprons were made from a species of Poplar that grows here in South Africa...

Coachmakers Rabbet Plane

Apr 23, 2009
4 comments

I was inspired by an article in a 1987 FWW to build this plane. It is a reproduction of a type used by 19th century artisans. The body is made from Purpleheart and I ground the blade from a 34"...


Recent comments


Re: Stanley no 1/2 scaled from Stanley no.1

Well,well Jackrascal you old rascal! Fancy finding you here, it is a small world. Well done my friend, it must surely be the only Stanley 1/2 in the world. I've had the privilege of holding this work of art in my grubby paws! What exactly are the overall lengths of the 3 Stanleys in the photo?

posted: 3:51 pm on March 8th  

Re: Stanley no 1/2 scaled from Stanley no.1

Well,well Jackrascal you old rascal! Fancy finding you here, it is a small world. Well done my friend, it must surely be the only Stanley 1/2 in the world. I've had the privilege of holding this work of art in my grubby paws! What exactly are the overall lengths of the 3 Stanleys in the photo?

posted: 3:51 pm on March 8th  

Re: Hutch, milk-painted with cherry counter

Just saw your comments on shaker design. Thanks for the info. I am a South African, so not as close to Shaker as you. I have studied the style though and made some pieces in my career as woodworker.I'm sure if you look at my "Contemporary table", you will recognize Shaker origins? This little table is just Shaker on acid!

posted: 4:40 pm on April 30th  

Re: Hutch, milk-painted with cherry counter

Yo Chuck. I'm quite new to this site but I'm already recognizing your work! Where do you find the time? And them pictures plenty good. Well done.

posted: 4:02 pm on April 30th  

Re: Shaker style hutch, milk-painted

As a maker of mostly contemporary and modern furniture, this is not normally my style. BUT, I just love this piece. The combination of colours and the crispness of your work here is great. Well done Chuck.

posted: 3:50 pm on April 28th  

Re: Shaker style hutch, milk-painted

As a maker of mostly contemporary and modern furniture, this is not normally my style. BUT, I just love this piece. The combination of colours and the crispness of your work here is great. Well done Chuck.

posted: 3:49 pm on April 28th  

Re: Shaker style hutch, milk-painted

As a maker of mostly contemporary and modern furniture, this is not normally my style. BUT, I just love this piece. The combination of colours and the crispness of your work here is great. Well done Chuck.

posted: 3:48 pm on April 28th  

Re: The New and Improved Woodworking Life

Hi, I am a professional woodworker living in South Africa and I have just joined this forum. Still finding my way around computers,so this is a test run! I am hoping to show you later on just what we get up to down here in "darkest" Africa.

posted: 4:46 pm on April 17th