MatMar Woodworks

I started MatMar Woodworks several years ago, after becoming tired of the corporate world.  At the time, I focused mainly on home renovations and trim carpentry.  I built custom decks in Georgia, and took on remodeling jobs.  MatMar Woodworking took a few year long hiatus when I decided to reenter the corporate world as a plant manager of a chemical plant in Ohio and then another in Indiana.

Since I was a young man, I had piddled around in my workshop, building furniture, small woodworking items, and other various things.  My tool collection had become quite large, so I was able to take on almost any project that came into my mind.

A few years ago, I decided to put my dusty lathe to use and start trying wood turning.  My early pieces were simple bowls or plates, mostly out of one solid block of wood.

I started experimenting with different forms, after being inspired by ancient vases in National Geographic, forms in nature, and many other sources.  I soon discovered that the secret to a beautiful piece of turned wood lay not in the turning, but in the preparation.

I began gluing together different wood species, in complex and intricate patterns.  The gluing began to take me five times longer than the actual turning.  My workshop and half of my house was covered with glued pieces waiting to be turned.

My works now mostly consist of turned pieces that are made of at least two species of wood.  I work with oak, maple, purple heart, wenge, walnut, cherry, and whatever else I can get my hands on and turn.  I am constantly trying new forms and techniques. 

I sincerely hope that you like my work.  I put a lot of time and effort into every piece and want everyone that buys one of my pieces to be completely satisfied.  The look and feel of a carefully crafted piece of woodworking can bring warmth and personality to a room like nothing else can.

-Mike Hoots