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| Frank Wimmer |
Sticking with tradition to keep bush furniture alive.
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At the age of 78, Frank Wimmer has done a U-turn on his traditional cabinet-making skills to master the simplified art of bush furniture, using forest hardwoods. His main aim is to pass these skills onto the next generation.
Frank started out in his craft as a cabinetmaker in Vienna in the '30s and literally stumbled onto the idea of making bush furniture 15 years ago. While out walking his dog, he noticed the sheer amount of forest timber going to waste. Apparently, in Europe every scrap of timber is used. Also, by making bush furniture, Frank feels that another great Australian tradition is being preserved. For the last year or two, he has been passing on his skills to others with much enthusiasm.
In around five hours he can make a chair, using his traditional bush furniture skills and using just a few simple hand tools (no nails, screws or bolts). His creations include unique tables, rocking chairs, beds and a giant "Jimmy Possum" chair - an example of early Australian-style stick furniture.
Once the branches are collected, having been tested for suitability, the bark is stripped in three stages. First of all, a drawknife (a knife with two handles) is used, and then a spoke shave. Lastly, a cabinet scraper is used to obtain a fine finish, followed by a light sand. The branches are then cut to size and the pieces are put together using wood glue, wedges and a mallet. Occasionally, a hand drill may be used to complement this process.
Polishing Tips
When the furniture is completed, three different traditional bush furniture-finishing techniques may be applied.
1
The item is first coated with a mixture of 50 percent linseed oil and 50 percent kerosene to get rid of any borer eggs which may be left in the timber. A heat gun is used to help the mixture to sink in.
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Next, a coat of two parts (boiled) linseed oil, two parts pure turpentine and one part beeswax is applied. To do this, melt the wax in a frypan, then mix the linseed oil and turpentine into the wax. Apply with a soft cloth, leave for a few minutes and wipe off the excess. This is suitable for unfinished timber chairs and raw floorboards.
3
Re-polish the timber every year. Use a mix of two parts linseed oil, one part pure turpentine, one part vinegar and one part methylated spirits. Apply with a soft cloth and take the excess off.
According to Frank, if you can peel an apple you can make bush furniture.
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More Info
Frank holds traditional furniture making courses. Ph: (03) 5966 5370.
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Disclaimer
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