Ralph is a retired Electronics Engineer with 33 years working for the US Navy and Ellen is a retired Bookkeeper and Office Manager.  They live in Keyport, WA with their cats. 

Please visit us on our Facebook page at:  Modern and Medieval Woodturning.

Wood is a living thing and never stops responding to changes in its environment.  Our philosophy is to respect the wood and to try and use it to it’s best advantage.  Whether that is an artistic bowl, a utility bowl, sewing aids or firewood. 

As much as possible, we like to start from a tree that has either come down in a storm, or needs to come down for safety reasons.   Therefore we use a lot of local Big Leaf Maple, Alder and Madrone. 

We process our wood ourselves and it can take a year or more before the wood is ready to turn.  First, the wood has to be cut into blanks, sealed and set to dry for about a year.  Some woods, like Madrone, need to be boiled before drying to prevent warping and splitting. 

We love the visual movement in spalted wood.  Living in the damp Pacific Northwest can lead to some spectacular spalting in both maple and alder, so some wood is left for additional time to spalt before drying.

After the wood is dry, it is turned into its final form.  Shavings that do not contain wood that can be toxic, such as walnut or yew, are donated to gardeners, chicken keepers and potters.

We believe in using re-purposed wood when ever possible.  This can be anything from a pair of rosewood chairs with a splintered legs, old growth redwood from a deck that was being rebuild to off-cuts from instrument makers and high school shop classes.

We only use wood that is non-toxic to humans for any item that may come in contact with food. For those items, we tend to use Madrone, Maple, Alder or Walnut, occasionally Fruitwood, Ash or Elm.  

Our finishes are primarily oil and wax based.  We prefer to use oil and wax finishes as the owner can touch them up as the finish wears with use. 

Our turnings are meant to be used, but should not be stored in direct sunlight or left to soak in water.  If a bowl needs cleaning, a damp cloth and a quick rinse will usually take care of any cleaning needs.  If the wood becomes dry, a good swipe with natural oil that does not go rancid will bring back the shine.  A wooden vessel should never be put in a dishwasher.

We welcome questions about caring for your wooden items or inquire about special projects.  You can contact us at:

 E-mail:  m.m.woodturning@ralphandellen.us

Facebook:  Modern and Medieval Woodworking

 

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