Grayhill Woodworking LLC

09/13/2026

Today while I was processing a plum tree I acquired, my wife was asking about why I cut the wood the way I do and if direction of cut matters.

So here's today's lesson on wood cuts. Enjoy.

Wood moves and changes as it looses moisture (dries out). This freshly cut tree's moisture is high (well over 20%), I like to work with wood at less than 10% moisture when creating my work.

I process logs into rough cuts to speed the drying process. These will be ready to work with in 12-18 months.

Let me know if you have questions!

09/11/2026

New Post! Jersey City Happy Holiday Market 2026 Douglas Hill Jr.

Two weekends in December, we host our annual holiday shopping market, filled with locally handmade goods. Downtown Jersey City is the perfect place to shop for the holidays.

09/11/2026

New Post! Jersey City Happy Holiday Market Douglas Hill Jr.

Jersey City Happy Holiday Market 2026 Two weekends in December, we host our annual holiday shopping market, filled with locally handmade goods.

09/05/2026

New Post! When Bark Stays: The Autumn Luck Behind Living Edge Douglas Hill Jr.

Is the bark real? How does it stay on? How long will it last? These and other FAQs about live edge woodwork.

09/03/2026

Spreading our wings and heading out to Naperville (Chicago suburb) this month.

Come on by, we would love to meet you

08/31/2026

I quite literally process wood material from the tree logs I acquire.

This is plum, yes you read that right a fruit tree. The grain is just stunning.

This wood acquires from a friend I used to work with. They had to take yhe tree down as it was at the end of its natural life and showing signs of rotting. So it was removed for safety. (You cant see clearly in this clip, but the pith is starting to rot, which means this tree is dying)

I have the honor of processing the tree. What's next? I will seal the ends and let these naturally air dry for 12 to 18 months, until moisture is about 10%. Then the wood can be transformed into functional, beautiful home decor pieces.

I hope to design bowls, vases, lidded boxes, hollow form vessels and trays from this wood material.

Follow along to watch the journey from tree to finished piece over time.

08/16/2026

New Post! What's Coming for Our Forests? A Woodworker's Perspective on Environmental Policy Douglas Hill Jr.

A woodworker's honest perspective on environmental rollbacks and what they mean for America's forests. Discover the cascade effects of deregulation, what species are at risk, and what you can do to protect our forests now.