Chuck Examines The Oak He's Selected.
Click here to see all the great bootjacks Chuck & Sherry have available. The variety & designs are just breathtaking.
Creating unique bootjacks is a genuine labor of love for Chuck. His gorgeous and uniquely original bootjack designs are among some of the most popular items produced by Chuck’s Woodbarn. So many people have asked for a peek at the process, that we shot this series of informative boot jack production pictures to show you just how it’s done.
First Chuck starts by selecting the finest Oak Wood available.
Cutting The Oak For The Pending Boot Jack Into The Desired Size.
Then he cuts the premium Oak he’s selected into the proper size. He runs the oak wood pieces through a drum sander and then outlines the pattern on each piece of wood. Next, he cuts a round hole in the back of the yoke and, once the hole is completely cut out, he cuts around
Cutting Out Boot Jack Outline With Band Saw
the outer bootjack outline with a band saw. Then, comes more sanding. And more sanding. And, still more sanding. (We said it was a labor of love!) Next, he places the boot jacks to come in a steam cabinet, and then does the initial bending to begin loosening the fibers. Then, there’s more bending and after
Boot Jack Sanding
that, he places the wood pieces in the boot jack form and secures the forms so the boot jacks to be, can dry. Once they’re truly secure and in place, they go into the drying cabinet. Once they’re done drying, Chuck applies his uniquely stunning, leather and metal touches and voila, you’ve got a boot jack that ‘s an absolute work of art and a potential family heirloom.
Chuck Placing The Boot Jacks In The Steam Cabinet.
Chuck Zeller was awarded the “Best of Show, New Artist” for his handcrafted camelback antique trunk at the Western Art Showcase in Calgary, Canada July 1, 2009. Chuck received a
Chuck Steam Bending A Boot Jack Into Shape.
ribbon, a certificate, and a Calgary Stampede Western Art Showcase silver belt buckle.
The Western Art Showcase is an exclusive premier event which promotes
Western Culture through the
Boot Jacks Are Secured Into Form Prior To Placement In Drying Cabinet.
presentation of sellable, quality and original Western Art. The event concentrates on presenting well-known western artists whose work is indicative of the heritage and grandeur of the West.
Celebrating its 30th year, the Western Art Showcase is one of the strongest Art Shows in North America.
Chuck and his wife, Sherry, started Chuck’s Woodbarn near
Bartley, Nebraska in 2003, specializing in the lost art of steam bending wood to create beautiful hand crafted camelback
Steer Head Boot Jack: The Final Result.
trunks, also called dome topped chests or known as a steamer trunk. This piece of furniture is truly a family heirloom which can be passed down for many generations. Each piece is a unique work of art; no two are alike. Emphasis is put on fine craftsmanship and quality construction. Chuck designs and constructs everything from the beginning jigs to finalizing with finishing the interiors. In addition to the camelback trunks, Chuck creates flat top trunks, television trunks, hat boxes, wall crosses, boot jacks, barrel wine carriers and a breath taking coffee trunk line that has interior designers across America singing their praises. Learn more about this unique rural Nebraska business at www.chuckswoodbarn.com or by calling 308-692-3119.
