Who is James Crane Fine Carpentry?
In 2006, after observing a serious lack of quality workmanship in the carpentry trades, I decided to strike out on my own to build quality cabinetry for those who would have an appreciation for it. The demand in Calgary has been overwhelming to the point that I needed to move to a new shop with more space to work efficiently. My new shop is in Shepard on the South East edge of Calgary. I am excited to set up this shop capable of excellent and more efficient work. Most of my designs are the result of continuous reading and study into old and new cabinetry. My former experience in areas of Calgary such as Elbow Valley gave me the initial understanding I needed to turn the needs and wants of each client into aesthetically pleasing plans. I have worked in small basements and very large homes and every time I strive to fill the specific needs and wants of each customer. I love searching old books and movies to inspire me further. Far more can be done with furniture than is found in even the most exclusive specialty stores.
Unfortunately a lot of my work is properly photographed or otherwise able to be displayed here. I am continually adding more photos when I am not building cabinets. I hope that what I have here can help you see what sort of work I am capable of and that I strive for the best possible quality in each circumstance.
Typical Journey From Concept to Furniture
An Idea
I sit down with the clients and discuss the needs and preferences for the project. I want to know exactly what this piece will be used for (e.g. entertaining, storage). I want to know what dangers it will face (e.g. kids, water, sun). I need to see what styles are present in the home and what styles the clients appreciate. Pictures of other furniture in the same style help a lot even if they are of totally different pieces.
A Sketch
I take these ideas and sketch crude examples for the clients. This helps me further understand what the clients really mean. It also helps the clients know whether or not I am on the right track.
A Blueprint
From the sketches and measurements I take, I can begin to make blueprints. At this point I can make sure everything fits together as hoped. With the blueprints a visible image of the piece begins to take shape. Many of the potential errors are filtered out and I confirm these plans with the clients before proceeding.
Preparation
From the blueprints I make material lists and order from my suppliers. I then turn the blueprints into cut lists and to do lists. It may take some time at this point to get the materials I need, but I have to wait until after the blueprint stage to order or else I can end up ordering what I do not need and vice versa. Much of the material comes in an unprepared state. Therefore I must flatten, square and sand the material I need.
Carcass Construction
All the parts I need are cut to dimension. The joinery is cut into the sides and ends of each piece. Everything is dry assembled before final glue and assembly. All of this is often broken into smaller projects and hence this stage may be done several times over.
Trim and Detail
The trim pieces are milled in the dimensions and amounts needed. Carefully they are applied to the carcass. The more complicated the project, the more difficult this stage since any mistake along the way becomes visible in the trim.
Moving Parts
Doors, drawers, and anything else that moves follows the same process as the rest, however the tolerances are much tighter since they have to work within the rest. Anything that doesn’t fit just right must be reworked until it does.
Sanding
The entire surface must again be sanded and perfected. This is a very slow process because it has to be done several times from coarse to fine grit. Any mistake in direction or grit shows in the finish.
Staining
Although some projects do not require this step, most do. Any contaminates such as grease or glue show a white spot and must be reworked. If too little stain is used, then the pores look white. Some areas receive the stain darker than others. If too much stain is used, then the project can appear blotchy. Timing is everything because stain left to sit will soak in. Frequently, the project is sanded lightly and stained again to even out the color.
Sealer
Although the product applied may be the same as the finish coat, this stage concerns the first layer applied to the raw wood. The first layer tends to soak into the pores differently in different areas, much like the stain. This first layer becomes the base for the rest of the finish, and toners or glaze if they are used.
Sanding
Again the piece is sanded lightly from top to bottom. This smooths out grain raised by the sealer and dust nibs caught in the finish.
Finish Coats
Coat of finish are applied with sanding in between. Risks of runs and sags are high, and if the coat is not dry when sanded it can ball up. If it is too dry, there is risk of the next layer not adhering to the previous. The final coat is only applied when everything is just right.
Buffing
Everything usually looks good at this point, but sometimes to get the finish right I use very fine abrasive and oil to polish a desired sheen into the surface.
Install
Sometimes this is as simple as a delivery, but often the project is too large or interconnected to come in one piece. In this case, all is assembled, and whatever stages needed may be repeated to complete all the details.