Woodworker: Charlie Mott

When introduced to split-wood products, Mott was taken by the striking texture of the lumber but disappointed by the tool marks left from prying the wood apart. He now splits his own lumber by opening a crack and then using a heavy-lift air bag and a bicycle pump to separate the wood without marring it. This redwood door mixes a handplaned frame with split-wood panels. The tung-oil finish is applied only after the panels are burnished with a palm-fiber brush and buffed with leather, and any small splinters are pulled off with dental floss.

From Fine Woodworking #198

Photo: Robin Robin