Blackburn Fine Woodworks

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

I finally bought an AltMill CNC machine, and I couldn’t be more excited! This machine can carve wood, metal, plastic, and so much more. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been teaching myself the software, and it’s been an incredible learning experience.

I can’t wait to get everything put together, start creating, and show everyone what this machine can do. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see where it will take me.

08/04/2026

After a lot of hard work, the shutters are finally finished, and we installed them on the house yesterday. I’m really pleased with how they turned out.

Originally, the plan was to paint them, but after speaking with the experts at Sherwin-Williams, we decided that a paint-and-stain combination would provide the best long-term protection. They explained that paint alone can trap moisture, causing wood to deteriorate from the inside out over time.

We also chose to build them from mahogany instead of Spanish cedar. With the right finish and the durability of the wood, these shutters are built to withstand the elements and should last a lifetime.

Quality craftsmanship starts with using the right materials and the right finish—not just making it look good, but making it last.

08/01/2026

Making some tidewater cypress doors.

Why "Tidewater" Cypress Was UniqueTrue tidewater cypress only grew in the deep, coastal swamps of the American South—primarily across Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, and Alabama.The "Wood Eternal": Because these trees grew incredibly slowly in brackish, waterlogged environments, they took hundreds—sometimes thousands—of years to mature.Cypressene Oil: As the tree aged, it accumulated a natural chemical resin called cypressene. This oil saturated the heartwood, turning it a deep red hue and making it virtually immune to rot, warping, water damage, and insects.The Scale: These ancient giants reached up to 150 feet in height and 25 feet in circumference. Famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright heavily favored tidewater red cypress for its unparalleled beauty and durability.The Era of Mass Exploitation (1870s–1950s)Before the late 19th century, harvesting these trees was highly inefficient. Because fresh-cut old-growth cypress is packed with moisture, it is incredibly dense and sinks immediately in water.The Girdling Technique: Loggers had to "girdle" the trees—cutting a deep ring through the bark at the base to kill the tree while it stood. It was left standing for a full year to dry out and lose weight so it could float when felled.Industrial Devastation: The introduction of steam-powered pullboats, overhead cable skidders, and swamp logging railroads allowed lumber companies to pe*****te deep into previously unreachable wetlands. Large operations like the Lee Tidewater Cypress Company quickly became the largest cypress loggers in the world.The Deforestation: At its peak, Florida sawmills alone cleared 300 million board feet of old-growth cypress annually. In Louisiana, the industry cleared roughly 1.5 million acres of giant cypress. By the mid-1920s to 1950s, the primary old-growth reserves were entirely exhausted.

07/29/2026

The shutters are finally coming together beautifully. The slats are all in place, and today they received their finish. Before long they’ll be hanging where they belong. Crafted from genuine mahogany, they’re built to stand the test of time—something that can be enjoyed for generations.

With this project nearing completion, it’s almost time to begin the next one: a pair of imposing barn doors, standing 8½ feet tall and 40 inches wide, handcrafted from rare Tidewater Cypress—often referred to as “extinct cypress” because of its remarkable scarcity. Timeless materials, traditional craftsmanship, and projects made to last a lifetime.

07/23/2026

Someone wanted stair treads that looked like they’d been worn for generations. I made these from reclaimed old wood, so they already have character and history—while still being smooth to the touch.

The challenge isn’t making them look old; it’s protecting them with a finish that keeps that authentic, timeworn feel.

07/23/2026

I started building these shutters last week. While many people choose Spanish cedar for projects like this, I’ve found that it doesn’t always hold up as well over time. For that reason, I’m building these shutters from African mahogany—a durable hardwood that, with proper care, can last a lifetime.

I’ll share more photos once they’re finished, but here are a few pictures showing the process so far.

07/17/2026

Custom-made antique Cypress bed

Every project tells a story, and this one was truly special.

This custom bed was handcrafted from reclaimed doors originally built in the 1860s. As I carefully disassembled each door, I had the rare opportunity to see firsthand the incredible craftsmanship of another era—where every joint, panel, and detail was created by skilled hands rather than modern machinery. It was like taking a step back in time.

Preserving that history while giving these beautiful materials new life is what I love most about my work. Knowing that Kevin and Kelly love their one-of-a-kind bed makes the project even more rewarding.

I pour my heart and soul into every piece I build, creating furniture that’s not only functional but built to last for generations. One of the greatest joys of this work is passing those skills and that passion on to my son, Alexander, teaching him the value of craftsmanship, hard work, and creating something meaningful with his own hands.

If you’re looking for custom furniture with character, history, and exceptional craftsmanship, I’d be honored to build something uniquely yours.