News From Woodworkz

Within a few weeks of writing a long-overdue update it is necessary to do it again
since David Rose has departed Woodworkz to operate at and from hom at Nairnside
on a more regular basis.

Progress in the yard has been steady if not startling, but there is a danger that the
"Hobbit house" will be completed. I dare say that winter weather will help persuade me
to make it more complete.

One very important item to mention is the existence of a card machine which enables me
to take debit and credit card payments on site. So why not pay a visit and have
a rumage?

The yard is more full than ever since some three months ago I took delivery of a
major parcel of Oak, and soon after had a complete lorry-load of Douglas shifted from
Balvraid, Nairnside.
Most of that Douglas has been converted into stock for making "Finlog" repair logs for
the wooden houses in Lochcarron. These are flat sided interlocking sections exactly
the same as the originals except better timber. See photos in the joinery page.

Of particular note in financially troubled times is that there does seem to be a new
attitude from banks regarding the backing to small business. With finance tight
I have had to work at developing our business bit by bit with our own generated
income which is why the intended buildings are not there with better machinery.
However, there does seem to be a turnaround and I may be reporting more develop-
ments soon.

Our customer base has not changed significantly in character over the last year but
in numbers it has with more single and two man cabinet businesses buying timber.
These businesses are still only buying what they need for immediate projects which is
understandable but there are improvements in scale. We also have seen an increase in
joinery projects for additions and extensions to property rather than commissions in
cabinet-making and because of this we are actively seeking supplies of Douglas and Larch.

There has been some corporate interest too and that is demonstrated with the supply
and construction of a rather fine Tree House just outside Lochcarron which is reported
in the joinery page.
Note the photos of a kitchen completed with home-grown Birch for panelling and counter-
top in the cabinet-making page.

Hobbit House

June 2011

There might be slight gloom still in some areas
but for us the timber supply is booming.
I have a project to extract what I can only say
is a lot of Elm from farm land east of Inverness,
sadly killed by Dutch Elm disease.
I hope to put it to good use in the coming months
and offer the Lion's share for sale.

Another extraction is just being negotiated which
could keep me busy for months. This does mean
I need to improve the milling operation and the nature
of the mechanisation I use to both extract and transport.
This is where the bank comes in. Exciting times!

Of particularly interest is what customers make from
Woodworkz timber, so if you have purchased any I would be delighted to demonstrate
what you made with it. There is some new supply of photos for the customer's page and
all will be given full credit for the work on display.

Our webdesigner is working on other ways to present photos and we aim to cram in as
many as possible!

Stuart

28th November 2011