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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Based
on some of the inquiries I've received via the Internet and other venues,
I have included this section of Frequently Asked Questions
in order to make the website as complete and explanatory as possible.
Do
you have a catalog | How
long does it take | What
types of wood
Do
you make different sizes | Interior
of a box
| Can
I get any tune
Do
you have a catalog you could send me?
I do not produce a print catalog since
most of my work involves customization. Therefore, please bookmark and
drop in occasionally as new boxes and designs are added to the Gallery
Rooms from time to time.
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How
long does it take to have a custom Commemorative Heirloom Box made?
The answer to this question varies with
the complexity of the design, the amount of carving, and my current
backlog. Of these, the biggest influence is the backlog of carving commitments
at any given time. However, under ideal circumstances you can anticipate
approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks for a "prototype design" (with
personalized elements) if I do not have other commitments lined up in
front of you. For a totally custom design you would be looking at six
(6) to twelve (12) weeks time. There are no short cuts to the carving
method I use. Everything is labor and time intensive including the time
required to properly apply the three coats of finish that are used on
each box. [To eliminate the variable of backlog, I have some clients
that notify me concerning known events (e.g., Christenings, birthdays,
Christmas presents, etc.) many months in advance to solidify a delivery
date.]
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What
types of wood are available for construction of the box?
The following three types of wood are
used in the construction of the boxes:
LINDEN
-- This is a light wood (honey blond
when finished) that does not have much visible grain and takes minute
detail extremely well. It is used to a minor extent for the construction
of furniture and is one of the favorite woods of European carvers. Because
it doesn't show much grain pattern the wood does not compete with delicate
carved detail. It is also know as limewood or basswood.
BUTTERNUT
-- Also know as "white walnut" and a
true member of the walnut species, this is a beautifully grained wood
that carves well. When finished, it is almost impossible to tell from
walnut.
BLACK WALNUT
-- A very dark, very hard, rich looking
wood. It does not carve well with the method I use (chip carving) since
it has a tendency to split out, especially when carving detail. Also,
because the carving is incised into the wood, to a degree it depends
on light and shadow to show up correctly. This capability is lost because
of the dark color of the wood. When this wood is employed, it is not
carved, but functions as an rich accent to the linden that is carved.
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Do
you make boxes of different sizes than those shown on the website?
INDIVIDUAL
PATRONS:
Generally the answer is no. In fact,
I do not make my boxes. My expertise is in the carving and designing
of a box that is unique to the recipient. I have had a long-standing
business relationship with a Swiss master cabinetmaker who makes the
boxes to my requirements. If I spent the rest of my life learning his
trade I doubt I would even approach his skill level. I'm sure that he
would make any size and configuration box if asked, but to do "one-of-a-kind"
construction is very expensive and I would have to pass that expense
along to you. Also, it would require more time to become available.
BUSINESSES:
Often I get inquiries regarding custom
size/type boxes for volume orders. I will certainly contact my resource
to determine whether or not a custom size box (in quantity) can be made.
Please let me know your requirements (size; type; quantity; and required
delivery date) and I will respond to you with availability and cost
data.
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Can
the interior of a box be configured differently?
See the answer above.
Can
I get any tune if I order a music box?
I use only Reuge changing cylinder,
72 note music movements in the few music boxes that I create. I am therefore
restricted to the tunes that they have available. These are mostly -
but not all - classical pieces. These movements are the finest contemporary
music movements available today. I'll also tell you that these music
movements are quite expensive and add considerably to the total cost.
I do not put smaller, less expensive music movements in the boxes.
(To me, doing so is analogous to arriving at a black-tie affair in a
pickup truck.) If interested in a music box,
e-mail me for tune information.
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