Roger Vincelette

There are several steps to follow to successfully complete a creation. I begin by visualizing the final product even before starting the creative process.

Before I begin, having very well-sharpened knives is crucial. Between 8 and 12 knives are necessary to achieve a high-quality creation. I always select the type of wood based on the desired piece. This step is essential for preparation. I cut and shape the wood with the utmost precision to bring the project to life. Sometimes, it is necessary to join two pieces of wood by gluing them together, which adds a day to the process, as I must ensure the bonding is perfect to avoid any issues.

Once the piece is prepared, I place it on the wood lathe. This stage can take between 45 minutes and 2 hours to achieve the desired shape. At this point, about 50% of the work is completed.

Finishing is a crucial step. I use four grades of sandpaper, starting with the coarsest and ending with #220 grit. After removing the piece from the lathe, I soak it in natural oil. The first coat of oil penetrates deeply and reveals the true color of the wood. The reaction is immediate: the piece becomes rough. In my view, even after the tree has been cut down, the wood remains alive. That is why I let the piece rest for a full day to ensure it is completely dry.

Next, I carefully sand it by hand with #220 sandpaper to remove any roughness, then apply a second coat of natural oil. This coat penetrates the wood and enhances its grain and unique appearance. I let it dry for another day. Finally, I sand it one last time with #220 sandpaper and apply a third coat of natural oil. This final coat gives a semi-gloss finish and an exceptionally smooth touch.

Thus, even though the process is lengthy, it is through these meticulous steps that I achieve a professional result.