CrossGrain Woodcraft

09/04/2026

While my page has been quiet over the past few weeks, my shop certainly hasn’t been.

Yesterday I was honored to attend the retirement ceremony of a Navy Lieutenant Commander. For the past 35 years he’s served in many geographical regions, and in an equal number of roles and rankings. A couple months back I was contacted to make a shadow box to display the effects, coins, and badges spanning his career. Being an engineer he sent the desired general design and dimensions. We back and forthed a few ideas, and ultimately came up with a striking walnut with brass (you know my love of that combo!) case. Dovetailed main box, felt covered, steel backed display areas for magnetic attachment. The moveable magnetic coin cleats are made of some Constitution Grove White Oak. If you aren’t aware of that story located on the base in which he’s served the last few years look it up. Very fitting for a naval officer. The sword and cutlass crossed over the flag case was his idea which I loved! Simple leather strap hooked over a brass pin to contain the handles. Personally I love projects like this. Meaningful, challenging, great to look at, and perhaps most importantly sharing a part of the story of another persons life. My interactions with the Lieutenant Commander were brief in the grand scheme of life. But they were enough to appreciate a man of honor, duty, and shared faith in Christ.

Fair winds and following seas sir!
Thank you for your service. And thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your journey.

Congratulations and enjoy your retirement!

Cheers

Updated with better pictures of the front and sides. Book matched door panels and styles. Brass cleats for handles.

08/05/2026

When your vice shears the pin in the handle and you don’t have another on hand you improvise. Cheap spare hex key kept from some equally cheap bed frame kit for the win.

08/04/2026

I think I mentioned a few weeks ago that life in the shop has been crazy busy. Great for business, maybe less great for sanity. But I consider myself among the most undeservedly blessed by God men to ever walk the earth. Between the various projects for the Locker there are also 5 other projects in various states of construction. Before yesterday’s metal madness I was able to get the base roughly shaped for the largest table I’ve been asked to build to date. A 12’ x 5’ absolute statement of a piece to be used as a conference table for another growing local business. Have I mentioned I greatly appreciate being able to serve the businesses of the area? It’s still early days in this build, and I’ll be sharing more on it in the near future. But for now I got to practice my beam walking skills while testing out the strength. With no glue as of yet, only the clamps and angles keeping the pieces in place, I don’t think structural integrity will be an issue. Shop space on the other hand may need some attention though 🤣

08/03/2026

Knew I shouldn’t have ordered this IKEA shelving set 🤣

Wonder what 28’ worth of shelving brackets look like before assembly. Well this is one version. An ambitious but straight forward project for the Odon Locker’s new building. Never fear, there will be wood involved eventually. For now it’s lots of twisting pieces together. Excited to get it done!

07/27/2026

Less than three days ago this table base was a pile of boards in a local supply warehouse. Today it’s nearly ready for final assembly. It’s likely been the smoothest, most efficient table base build I’ve had to date. They certainly don’t all work that way. This phase is always my favorite part. I work hard to be proud of the final products. But I generally find more joy in the process than the product. And that simple fact speak volumes to how blessed I am. I relish, and revel in, the role of craftsman. I can’t think of a better way to mimic The Creator.

God Bless

07/15/2026

I was honored to be ask to make a retirement shadow box for a good friend and brother in Christ. He served in the navy for 21 years, retiring as a Chief from his last posting at NWS Crane for the last 3 years in which time I met him. We’ve found several common interests and determined it’s likely best we didn’t meet during our younger years 🤣. For the shadow box, kept it simple due to a super quick 3 day turn around for a couple reasons. White oak, single large dovetail per corner box, bottom upholstered in some navy blue cloth over foam, and trimmed out with more oak. I have to give a public shout of thanks to L&K Glass for accommodating my evening order by txt and having my piece ready to go by 7 the next morning.

Congrats my friend, and thank you for the years of sacrifice and service!

On the CrossGrain end of things, be ready for many fun, different builds over the next couple months. I’m busier than ever and looking forward to the current crop of commissions!

Cheers

06/23/2026

Still maintain these are one of the best looking co****le sets ever!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bhj6waG3S/?mibextid=wwXIfr

06/17/2026

I frequently get the question, “how’s business?” Well right now business is busy! Between the various house projects, which keep getting kicked down the road, I’ve had my largest orders ever over the last few months. Currently working on one of several aspects of an order that’ll be part of another growing business. For now, it’s mostly a game of ring around the cabinet stack and try to keep track of what parts go where!

06/15/2026

Thrilled to be chosen as winner in this rewards contest! Thanks Odie's Oil for the acknowledgement and support of us in the woodworking world! There are some exciting projects coming out of my shop in the near future. All finished with Odie’s!

The winners for the last 3 weeks are in! 🗳️✨ We’re constantly inspired by what you all create with a little bit of Odie’s and a lot of imagination and skills!
Congratulations to our winners! Keep tagging us in your projects for a chance to be featured next. 🛠️👏
Big congrats to:
🥇
🥇 and

Bonus:
Thanks all for your amazing projects with Odie’s! Keep them coming!

06/08/2026

Two sets of matching custom sliding doors. Red oak with black aluminum frames.