The Discarded Workshop

The Discarded Workshop Furniture repair and custom pieces using primarily hand-tools and reclaimed lumber

04/10/2026

I think it's time for a proper introduction! I'm Blake McCall and I'm The Discarded Workshop. I work in a small shop primarily with handtools, and I'm attempting to be as sensitive to the impact on the land, water and air as I can be.
I accept commissions, so if you've got a piece that needs some repair or restoring, message me or check out my website at the link in my bio.

03/26/2026

On repair,

There is little emotional attachment to this cutting board. It's not fancy, bought by my partner as she was starting grad school 17 years ago. It's generic from Crappy tire. So why even bother. We have others.

I think for me it has so much to do with curiosity. Can I fix it? Probably it's just a board. But for me I think it's a question of how long can it last is what is motivating me. Here is a tool that is used everyday, maybe every other, it has sit in water causing some mild decay at the edges. But it still works. How long before we can't use it anymore and what is that tipping point. A quick reglue, a sand, and an oil basically made it like new after 17 years. There no reason really it won't last another or is there something.

It's a long game that I think if played well will outlast me.

For SaleSolid wood nightstands $300Reclaimed from an old beaten up 1950s desk. These nightstands are ready for a new lif...
03/23/2026

For Sale

Solid wood nightstands $300

Reclaimed from an old beaten up 1950s desk. These nightstands are ready for a new life.

Solid wood throughout meaning very sturdy and can last many lives. Drawers are deep slide smoothly. Finished in a durable matte finish.

Nice little nightstands for tight spaces.

Dimensions are 26.5 tall × 13 wide x18wide

Dm for any questions or if interested to purchase

03/16/2026

Box repair part II

This shoulda been part I but its instagram so it doesn't really matter if it's out of order

The bottom was falling off this box most likely due to shrinkage over time I get the feeling this box was probably a curio from India some years back.

This was a very fun repair, steam bottom off, new piece of wood, jigsaw the veneer back together. There where some pieces still missing that I used mohawk filler sticks to fill in.

I genuinely had to look very close when I took the photo to make sure I got the correct side. I'm super happy with the repair!

Hey all,I've had a few requests in the last couple months to do a workshop. So I've put one together.This will for super...
01/26/2026

Hey all,

I've had a few requests in the last couple months to do a workshop. So I've put one together.

This will for super beginners. Where we'll start at being able to identify materials solid wood vs veneer vs particle board, talk about removal of old finish and prep and finally go through the often unnecessarily complex lexicon of finishing!

Feb 28 from 1-4. Jam packed with all the information you need to start your own refinishing project!

Dm or email [email protected] to secure your spot!

Moody decoFor sale $300This is late Art Deco Dresser mostly likely early 1940s. It has completely refinished and repaire...
01/21/2026

Moody deco

For sale $300
This is late Art Deco Dresser mostly likely early 1940s. It has completely refinished and repaired. Comes with the original handles with collectible bakelite.

This dresser is solid wood throughout. The top is a deep, rich and moody walnut veneer. Drawers dovetailed construction and move in and out easily. This is a very sturdy dresser that is built to last for years to come.

42h×29w× 18d

Patches have been done to the veneer on the front, though they are not seemless they do blend with the waterfall character.

Check out my other listings or my see my website thediscardedworkshop.ca or my Instagram to inquire about commissions.

End of year to do list: framesFor those that have been around since the early days of the workshop you'll know that I in...
12/10/2025

End of year to do list: frames

For those that have been around since the early days of the workshop you'll know that I initially thought making simple bespoke frames from thrown away wood could be a way to make a business. There always seemed to me a missing middle between the plastic frames from michaels and the expensive high end frames. Alas after few commissions and doing the math's I realized that I would need to charge significantly more than I was, so shelved that idea.

Now the problem with knowing how to do something is it's hard to not do it. C had a couple of lovely artwork and wanted them framed, I could go buy a plastic frame but also had no time to make a new one. What to do??? Framing these was on my do to list. I just sat there with that little voice constantly reminding me.

I was cleaning my basement a few weeks ago and found these old frames that at one point and I had bought and forgot about. Lovely oak, and ash but looking sad and a little wobbly. Turns out wood is wood and I was able to rather quickly repair and refinish them, cut some glass, and laid out the artwork. Just like that voice about these is gone. And the artworks looked lovely!

There is something nice about the idea of framing artwork. There is a lot of pleasure in it. Maybe I'll keep an eye out for wood frames to clean up and resale. Ooops, there's that voice again.

On a side : me about the extending the table artwork and the way it informs values...

11/04/2025

Part 4

When the dopamine hits

Finishing this was very straightforward. Dark stain antique walnut one coat and 2 coats of satin polyx from Osmo. Came almost like I wanted doesn't quite have the warmth of Auburn shellac but it does come close!

The top handles I was able find at an antique store, turned oak with just stunning rays and lovely new period appropriate pulls.

Address

Hamilton, ON

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