Opposable Thumbs Custom Wood Products

01/28/2019

I know I said I was taking a hiatus from woodworking, and I am, but I am willing to make small things that don't take a lot of time and effort. It's mainly the shadow boxes that I'm taking time off from, especially right now. I'm set to start taking IT exams, beginning with ITIL on 2/8, and I need all the extra time I have to study.

01/28/2019

Just finished this for a very excited and appreciative customer. If you're interested in purchasing one for yourself or someone you know, please visit my Etsy page: CustomWood1776.

09/25/2018

I must take a break from my woodworking duties for an indefinite period of time so that I may focus on other areas of my life that need my attention more right now. I'm not sure how long I'll be "out of commission", but as soon as I'm able to return, I will post it, but for now, I just can't take any new orders. Thank you for supporting me and my work.

05/28/2018

05/26/2018

Here is the latest project, a Two-Flags shadow box for Vincent Janowiak, CAPT, USN (HTC/LDO/EDO), who is retiring next week. We met in Florence, SC fro delivery and ate at Cracker Barrel while we were there. He really loved his new shadow box, and can't wait to get it home and populate it with all of his memorabilia, from a devoted, faithful, and very illustrious 38-year Navy career. I wanted this box to be very special for someone who has given so much to his country... my country, and based on his reaction to it when we got it out of my car, I think I hit the mark. It took the average amount of time to build - around 200 hours - which may seem like a lot of time, and it is, but if you know me, I have to have every detail just right. During the build, he even asked me if I was happy with it, which is the first time any of my customers has asked me that question. Of course I said yes ;). It took me two months to build; I normally ask for a minimum of three months, but he just didn't have that much time, and he said that after searching the Internet for some time for examples, he kept coming back to mine, so I decided to take it. Believe me, I don't make much on these boxes. After buying materials and putting in the time, I make somewhere around $2.00 - $3.00 an hour, so it's not about the money. I could easily sell these for much more (IF I ever make another one, I will) but I do them more for the satisfaction of making a beautiful piece of work with my own hands, and seeing the customer's reaction than anything else. I have to admit, however, even that is wearing thin. Pulling all-nighters the night before delivery just to finish on time is getting old, just like me :). But, I'm glad I was able to be a part of a few peoples' retirements and to make something they will cherish for generations, hopefully.

03/29/2018

Custom oak thresholds I made for one of our units at work.

02/27/2018

Custom flag case, made out of purple heart wood. The top section is hinged to reveal a storage compartment that measures 17" (L) x 2.5" (W) x 3" (D).

Price: $150

12/23/2017

Good morning and early Merry Christmas! It's been a while since I've posted here, because I just haven't been on Facebook much in recent months, which isn't necessarily a bad thing :)

I see there are many new "followers" of this page since I was last on here, which I greatly appreciate. I know there are many pages commanding your valuable attention, and I appreciate you stopping by and giving mine a like.

Recently, we bought some new equipment for our little business. We can now cut out vinyl stickers, and as soon as I complete my compressor hookup, we will be able to do rock, brick, stone, wood carving, and glass etching.

Here are just a few of the things we've already made, but the imagination is the limit to what we can do. Our vinyl cutter is 28" wide, so it can cut a pretty big project of needed.

08/17/2017

Another quality, handcrafted piece. Special thanks to my good friend Ron Hillard of Ron's Real Wood Shop & Laser Engraving in Kingsland for the very quick turn-around on another awesome and competitively priced engraving job.

07/02/2017

Finally, my latest build is complete. As it turns out, I have decided to retire this model, this being the last one.

06/28/2017

Almost done!

06/04/2017

Unit #5 - First dry fit. This one is made of Honduran mahogany and after being sanded down to 320 grit, will be stained in medium antique walnut and finished off with several light coats of water-based, acrylic polyurethane. Once complete, this one will be shipped to the customer in Idaho.