Fine Woodworking by Ray Allard

BIOGRAPHY


I can hardly remember a time I wasn’t involved with working in wood. My Dad had a small shop where he built furniture, and I helped as I got older. I also worked as an apprentice to a local carpenter for several summers, where I learned many useful woodworking skills. Boy Scouts, 4H and school shop provided other opportunities. I worked as a carpenter in the construction trades for several years, and was co-owner of a cabinet shop in Vermont. Since leaving my office job, I’ve established a shop and a small business, building furniture on speculation, first in NY, then back in Vermont. Cabinetry took a back seat to general carpentry as I remodeled an old ski house. I did, however, manage to realize a long-time ambition by building a sweeping staircase, which you will see featured here. I would say it is the equivalent to several pieces of furniture, in terms of the skills required and the amount of detail work.

 

Winters find me working in the Snowsports School at Killington, VT.