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"One Good Turn Deserves Another" - originally built in 1986 for a woodturning exhibit in Seattle. This project began as the result of inspiration from the handling of a 17th century treadle lathe. I was fascinated by the unusual moving shapes and mechanical functions. As I began the brainstorming process to design the lathe, my sense of humor crept in and soon animal forms appeared. - serpent-like shapes for tightening handles, a turtle head for the shell-shaped tailstock, and a smiling gentleman who, put on the headstock, will lock the spindle. The lathe has consumed over 400 hours of time, designing and redesigning and complex joinery. Ash, walnut, cocobolo, rosewood. Some padauk, koa, cherry, etc. on handles of tools. Comes with all necessary tools housed in the box on the right side. This is a working treadle lathe.
Michael Flaherty, a lifelong woodworker, finds particular interest in making one-of-a-kind, custom-designed items for his customers.
Michael’s woodworking emphasis is on the unusual. “There is always a fresh or unique approach available to solving a design problem. Why settle for the ordinary?”
Sometimes referred to as “the guy who does the weird stuff”, Michael enjoys designing and building unusual boxes, chests, & containers. He is also recognized as a tool maker, building useable woodworking planes in the traditional style, as well as allowing his sense of humor to shine with the building of unique and whimsical tools, often formed in the shapes of creatures and people.
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Having served two terms in the Peace Corps in Jamaica and Ecuador, Michael gained many skills and experiences while studying with local master woodworkers. And due to his years of teaching students within many areas of woodworking, Michael’s own work draws from those various skills to produce an eclectic mix of woodworking styles and products.
A curiosity in examining antiques and antique furniture has evolved into an active interest in the restoration and repair of wooden items.
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