Putting the craft back into craftsmanship. The ‘ Wilding ‘ bed gives me a sense of fairy tale and echo’s a craft well before today’s modern furniture making. Given global environmental concerns, lets see how it holds up in an eco conscious world.
The bedposts are felled locally and prepared by Jeff. Bed slats used are pre-cut untreated commercial grade wood ( radiata ). The frame is Corsican pine (pinus nigra). Milling them him self would actually be less eco friendly, too costly and time inefficient than relying on the economies of scale of a commercial mill. Would be good to know what measures the mills commercial practices are in terms of sustainable and eco friendly practices.
Jeff has used the underlay patina by applying steel wool and vinegar solution. The finish stain is from water- based charcoal "palette wood dye". For more info see http://www.liberon.co.nz/.
Furniture is finished in Kiwax. See http://www.mainlandpaints.net. It is a locally made product. Most ingredients are sourced and processed in New Zealand. Unlike some furniture waxes, Kiwax contains no silicones or artificial scents. Although the Kiwax product does not have an eco certification of any kind the company does claim to have ISO 9000 standards in place. However these standards relate more to their quality of key business processes rather than the quality of the end product. The manufacturers have noted that the product contains mineral waxes to help with the ease of applying the wax. However no information has been given to me on the exact details of what these mineral waxes are.
There are many opinions on what is a good natural eco friendly and sustainable furniture oil finish. Some swear by olive oil and vinegar/lemon juice while others swear at it! Regardless of any eco furniture finish oil claims, there needs to be formal tests made and proven for each furniture oil product based on what types of wood were tested, (including wood with synthetic substances in/on them), reactions to the material, physical conditions, durability testing, application techniques and how much and when it is used. Finally if the product can then be analysed and approved via an independent third party, in terms of an appropriate eco certification, then this will not only reduce any doubts, it will add credibility to the product.
The adhesive used on the ‘Wilding’ bed is Titebond original wood glue. This is a water based product in which the manufacturer states there are no harmful fumes / associated health issues and it cleans up in water. It is also FDA approved for indirect food contact and is low in VOC, (10.7 g/l). For more info see http://www.titebond.com/.
In terms of waste, the shavings and off-cuts are used in his log burner for home heating. Finish rags used are from recycled clothing.
In terms of packaging, Jeff is looking at building custom pine ( pinus radiata ) boxing for the ‘Wilding’ bed. NZ pine is a sustainable and renewable resource.
Jeff has clearly made every effort to be as cost efficient while being as sustainable and eco friendly as possible. His efforts in using local materials and ‘eco’ stains, adhesive and finishing products while reducing waste and cost, is an excellent example to us all. The ‘Wilding ‘ bed therefore for me, earns a 4 star out of 5 rating.
You can view Jeff France's products via www.montanawoodworks.co.nz
