The Joinery

It is our belief that if one can see how the piece holds itself together, how the separate components cooperate, then it serves as a comfort to the eye and a delight to the mind.  Joinery then becomes its own ornamentation, and something useful becomes art. The traditional craftsmen who joined wood did so for strength and durability over time, and Dan has found their methods sound foundation for his work.  Employing these traditions along with the soulful approach of the Japanese, he utilizes the hand-dovetail, single and double-wedged thru-tennons, and the doweled Japanese box joint, all of which employ hand-forged chisels and saws.  As we live with a conscious effort to conserve electricity and resources, Dan employs as many of these hand tools as possible.  Working in this way also produces the most structurally sound and aesthetically beautiful results. In both work and life, we aim for an ideal where function supports beauty and form is decided by nature, strengthened by man. Working from our 80 acre, off-grid homestead, Dan has placed pieces of original fine furniture in homes throughout the Midwest, and is an award winning member of the American Craft Council.  When possible, he builds using the trees from his old-growth forest, and is known for the integrity and beauty of his hand joinery. We thank you for your interest. AP WOODWORKING  . . . your treasure as the tree’s last story Dan Dunbar & Carol Butler                      9532 S. County Rd. A Superior, WI 54880               715-399-0133                                              dan.carol@apwoodworking.com