Joiner and Cabinetmaker

Joiner and Cabinetmaker.

What does that mean? In centuries past woodworkers were divided into three groups; carpenters, joiners and cabinetmakers. A carpenter would construct buildings. A joiner would finish the building, i.e. trim, mouldings, etc. A cabinetmaker built furniture; chairs, tables, dressers and...cabinets.
While carpenters and joiners would also build furniture they were limited by the regulations of the guilds. Carpenters, for example, would nail together their furniture, while a cabinetmaker would use high end joinery such as mortise and tenon or dovetail joints. Clearly the cabinetmaker was building furniture designed to be attractive and to last for generations. While the carpenter was building functional furniture.

My work is meant to be attractive and to live at least as long as its owner. I don't use nails or screws, except when they are appropriate as decoration or for a period correct piece. I don't use polyurethane or poly anything as a finish, there is enough plastic in the world.

I don't use electrically powered tools. I'm green. But not necessarily for the sake of being green. However, I'm not particularly concerned with being "period correct" for any period. I prefer to choose the right tool for the job. We'll talk about that.

I use North American lumber nearly exclusively. The fact that I am using sustainable lumber is a plus, but not the only reason. I like to purchase my lumber from a couple of local small lumber mills. They will cut what I need and I like supporting small businesses.


What's the point of the blog? First, I want you to have some of my work in your home. Second, I want to make a few bucks from the first reason. Third, I enjoy writing about things I like. At this point I don't know how often I will update the blog. I'm going to write only when I have something to say. I certainly hope that will be fairly frequently. I will post some pictures soon. I will also post some items for sale in time for Christmas.

W. C. "Bill" Sias, Joiner and Cabinetmaker.