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Furniture Maker FINDING JOY...
Details, details make Bob Clement's fine furniture stand out
Designer makes custom furniture for a specific space
Furniture maker
FINDING JOY IN THE WOODS
By KAREN EMERSON-McPEAK
Staff Reporter of The Review Appeal (Franklin, Tenn.)
Bob Clement has found in the last five years that he has a real love for wood and wood building. Raised in Mississippi but a Franklin resident for 15 years, Clement's first love was music — which brought him to Middle Tennessee. But like so many musicians, he had to support himself and turned to stage lighting.
Still not satisfied, Clement picked up a chisel and a router and started building furniture. His first piece, a table, went to his dad, who Clement claims didn't even have a hammer when he was growing up. "It turned out so bad," Clement said of his first effort.
Then began the challenge of wanting to do better; the challenge in doing it right. "There's no less challenge in doing a simple table than something bigger," Clement said.
He puts a lot of time into detail work. "The scrub plane and hand tools are the way to go, otherwise it looks too perfect. I like to see the human element." Scrub-planed table tops have become Clement's signature. Drawers are hand-cut and
dove-tailed and the finishes are hand-rubbed — no brushes.
With no background in wood-working whatsoever, Clement had to do a lot of research and study.
"I've watched videos and read. I read all the time," he said. He also learned much from his Uncle Rod Clement. "He's a fine furniture maker." Whenever Clement has the chance or a special project, he often finds himself grilling his uncle for information.
"The scrub plane and hand tools
are the way to go, otherwise it
looks too perfect. I like to see the
human element.
Picking out the right wood for a project is also another big area in which Clement finds a challenge. His pieces require special wood — no big-box hardware store lumber for his pieces. He often passes out flyers, advertises for wood and makes trips to out-of-the-way places in hopes of locating special woods. Trips to Tullahoma have proved very fruitful. "Coach Cardin began sawing lumber about 35 years ago. Then he would stack it and let it air dry — it's not kiln dried — for 20 or 30 years. He also cuts it thick. That's what furniture makers want, not this thin stuff you find at lumber stores. It is more work because it's in the rough stage."
Since Clement began working with wood five years ago, not a week has gone by that he hasn't had a project to work on. He's even hireed an apprentice, Dave Webeck, to help. Werbeck has some experience after spending time training with his grandfather.
For furniture pieces, having Clement design yours can mean that you get what you want, the size you want, the wood you want. People bring in magazine clippings, combine legs from one piece and a top from another. They can choose their wood — cherry, cedar or pine — or bring in their own.
"I get a lot of people who have wood from a grandparent's house or barn that want something built," Clement said. He's built baby cribs, cupboards, armoires, hutches, sofa tables, cabinets and lots of tables.
For Clement, the challenge is still there. He's still striving to do the next piece even better than the one he just finished.
He encourages people to call if they have old wood they'd like to sell. Even if you don't know what you have, he'll bring his planner and decide what it is and if he wants it.
Bob Clement's furniture can be seen at Along the Way Antiques in Grassland or by calling him at 591-3928 to make an appointment.
