Timber look rises from ash's demise

MAGNIFICENT RESULT: A view from above, including the front door, also made from American ash.PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

A windstorm on a Canterbury farm six or seven years ago had a dramatic sequel in a rural Masterton home this week, when retired farmer Jeff Smith and wife Maggie invited friends in to inspect the latest addition to their new home.

After the windstorm brought down an American ash tree, the couple had it milled and made into a handsome table and chairs for their Canterbury home.

When they retired, moved to Wairarapa, and began planning their new two-storey house, Jeff decided to continue the American ash theme in the staircase and front door, with imported timber to match the table.

The big problem was lack of expertise in fine joinery.

"I did woodwork when I was at high school when I was 14 or 15, but what you can't do with a chainsaw didn't get done," he said of his later years.

Jeff joined the Henley Men's Shed, which had equipment capable of machining the American ash. And he met another new sheddie, Peter Tibbs, who had trained as a carpenter/joiner.

Peter's input on design and construction was critical.

"Without him it wouldn't have happened," said Jeff.

For Peter, it was the perfect introduction to shed life: "It just shows what can be done at the shed."

The machinery's availability, practical advice and help made the job possible.

But there was pressure. Carpenters building the house had a temporary staircase in the stairwell, so the space couldn't be accessed until they finished upstairs. And the staircase project was completed just in time before Peter had shoulder surgery.

The pair laboured away at the Men's Shed for about 200 hours over three months. They appreciated the patience of fellow sheddies, who put up with the noise of their work, the mess and the stacks of American ash they accumulated. Jeff reckons another 50 hours on the job went in at the house.

A front door was made from the same material by a commercial company.

"A lot of time went into making sure it was pretty damned perfect," said Jeff.

The result is magnificent. The timber matches the existing furniture beautifully, flowing smoothly to the upstairs area. It complements another Canterbury souvenir, a macrocarpa cabinet from Jeff and Maggie's previous home.

The staircase was one of the larger projects that the Henley Men's Shed has tackled.