WOODWORKING WONDERLAND

GILLETTE WOODWORKS

By Kathy Fox

Woodworking is a timeless craft that spans generations for artisan Michael Gillette, an IT Engineer by trade, and it runs deep in his blood. From furniture to cabinets, decorative items to home improvement projects, Gillette is a very talented woodworker. His passion for creating beautiful, handcrafted pieces has turned into a fulfilling and artistic journey.

Gillette, a third-generation carpenter, proudly recounts how woodworking skills were passed down from his grandfather, a carpenter in the 1940s and 50s, and his father, a Jack of all trades master of none, who inspired his love for the craft. “I've always been handy with making, fixing, and restoring things. It then progressed in 2019, when I bought a CNC machine, into building wood items for my friends, family, and coworkers,” commented Gillette. Over the years, his talent has evolved from simple repairs and restorations to crafting unique items such as artisan charcuterie boards, cutting boards, whiskey flights, cigar and whiskey holders, as well as decorative custom signs and decor pieces.

For those unfamiliar with a CNC machine, CNC stands for computer numerical control. These machines use computer programming to carve and shape materials with precision and consistency, which is almost impossible to achieve manually.

For Gillette, it also opened a world of possibilities for his creative mind in woodworking. “The CNC machine was really cool, it was woodworking and tech mixed together so I decided to buy one. It was also very neat to see what it could do,” said Gillette.

The CNC machine gave birth to quite a few projects for Gillette including charming wooden Jack-o’-lanterns with CNC carvings on the sides. “After I bought the CNC machine, I needed something to do with it so I made these wood Jack-o’-lanterns,” said Gillette. The cutting boards also proved to be a favorite project, where he feels free to experiment with patterns and combinations, ensuring that each board is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Although he enjoys customizing boards, Gillette also relishes the freedom to create and design as inspiration strikes him. One of those projects was a magnificent dining room table with scrolly legs he made for his wife that she designed.

Another unique element of Gillette’s woodworking is the intricate details of his creations, such as custom branding with his laser, to the wide range of wood he uses in his projects. From domestic woods like black walnut, cherry, maple, and hickory to exotic finds from South America, each piece tells a unique story and carries its distinct beauty. In his stash of wood, he even has some mahogany that was salvaged from an 1850s church.

The process of making these one-of-a-kind pieces of art is laborious, but Gillette puts a lot of heart and sweat into the process. The lumber is glued and then held together very gingerly with clamps to dry for about a week. He then runs it through the planer or CNC machine depending on the size and shape. Afterward, the process of sanding occurs with one of Gillette’s latest purchases, a drum sander. The piece is then ready for the finishing touch. Furniture or similar items are coated with marine-grade polyurethane and cutting boards with all-natural mineral oil. Gillette has even developed his own propriety recipe for board butter, a combination of coconut oil and beeswax, to maintain the beauty of his cutting boards.

Gillette and his wife Jennifer have embraced the joy of treasure hunting, regularly scouring for hidden gems to add to his unique collection. This evolved further into antique woodworking tools. “While some might consider these tools obsolete, I still find value in them,” he said. “In fact, I continue to employ tools like hand planes and various implements in my projects, not just for nostalgia but for their practical usefulness.” Gillette’s vintage tools often come in handy, especially when precision and attention to detail are paramount.

In 2021, Gillette started selling his wood items in the local community and reveres the joy of creating custom designs for each order. So, the next time you come across an exquisite cutting board or charcuterie board, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication because behind each piece lies the heart and soul of a very skilled woodworker.

Visit GilletteWoodworks.com for additional information on Gillette’s custom creations, and follow him on Instagram at @gillettewoodworks.