Artisan Woodworking

02/19/2024

"It's been a long time coming, it's been a long time gone."
What could possibly I mean using these lyrics to a classic CSN song? Well... I have been looking for a way to announce my retirement, which can be interpreted as a long time coming and I've been in the construction business for a long time, almost 47 years which can be seen as a long time gone. That all may stretch the original meaning of the song, but I really, really like the song.
So with that little tid bit thrown in the mix, this is nothing more than me telling you all that I've decided that it's time to call it quits. At one time I thought I would work until I was carried out of my shop, feet first but with the advent of COVID-19, the loss of a few of the contractors that I worked for, the decision was virtually made for me. With the rising costs of running a business, I just can't keep the shop open for what has become a hobby rather than a business. I had a wonderful time working with some very talented and amazing people over these past 47 years, both those who worked with me and those I worked for. I have appreciated the support that I have received from you, my friends and family and the families that I worked for. We did some amazing projects over the years and gained a reputation for our quality with the attention to the details that separated us from the others. It was a good ride, but it's time to look forward to the next challenge and get on with that. Thanks for all your support and friendship over the years.
Since I never had my children or an employee take an interest in continuing the business I have decided to sell it. If anyone knows of a person that has a desire to own their own woodworking business, this is a good opportunity for them. I have accumulated many machines, materials and supplies for someone to start working on day one. Many times I had wished that I could have brought a business rather than build my own from the ground up. It is my desire to find such a person and give them an opportunity that I never had. If not, I will sell it as I built it, piece by piece. Look at FB Marketplace in the near future for more details.
But regardless I have loved my time doing this work and I thank all of you for being a part of it. Thanks so much, Walt

12/03/2020

Well, it's certainly been a while since I've posted anything. The past couple of years have had their challenges. Between having shoulder replacement surgery, moving my shop and the infliction of the coronavirus has been adventurous, to say the least. I'm still setting up my new shop, while exploring areas in woodworking that I never had the time to pursue while I was primarily concentrated on cabinetmaking. I have decided that those days are over and I want to spend the rest of my productive years working with wood on a more personal level. I had always had an artistic sense and I want to employ the knowledge that I have gained over the past forty plus years into objects that give me happiness. So, I am building the kind of things that I had only dreamed about. These pieces that I am making may be considered simple by some, but it is allowing me to hone my woodworking skills that were not required to build cabinets. One of my greatest pleasures was finally getting a wood lathe, that I bought at an auction, this past year. It is an older machine made in the 1940's. It was in pretty much in poor condition, so the first thing I did was to break it down, repair or replace worn or broken parts, paint it and re-assemble it. It's a beautiful machine. It is now the focus of my attention and I am exploring the wonders of turning wood. As soon as get more than a few pieces made, I will post some pictures of them. In fact I have set up an account at Esty under Artisan Woodworking to sell these works made by my hands. Since giving up cabinetmaking, I am now a free lance artisan and I am making my living as an artisan. I use artisan because artist seems too erudite for working with wood. Besides being an artisan seems to be a better descriptor for me, a skilled craftsman. I am too young to retire, but too old to keep up with the frantic pace and physical requirements of making cabinets. I will post some pictures of some of the items that I have recently made along with this post. I have also opened an Instagram account to promote my work. My biggest challenge is becoming active with a new social networking program. It has more to do with the adage of, "an old dog, learning a new trick", than anything else. Please be patient with me as I learn to be a promoter of my work. When I made cabinets, I lived off of referrals. It's a new world for me, starting at an age when most people are retired or planning for retirement. I don't think that I would be very good at it anyway. I was jonesing for work after the past 4 day holiday weekend. I will try and be more proactive in keeping the world of Artisan Woodworking current. Thanks for listening, Walt

12/10/2018

Artisan Woodworking is going through some change. I'll keep you posted. Walt

09/19/2018

This is a replica of a early American Brandy Table, made in Mahogany. It has a light cherry stain. It was hand turned on a wood lathe. All joinery is mortise and tenon, as the original. It has a sprayed conversion lacquer finish, and hand rubbed to eliminate any over spray.

09/14/2011

Check out the new Artisan Woodworking website - http://www.artisan-woodworking.com/index.html

Walt does free estimates so contact him today for your upcoming home improvement needs.

Welcome to Artisan Woodworking. My name is Walt Dusold, owner and operator of Artisan Woodworking. I began my career in 1977 as a carpenter’s apprentice. In 1982 I started a construction company when finding steady employment as a carpenter was say at best, difficult. My construction company was b...

09/14/2011

09/14/2011

09/14/2011

09/14/2011