Stands & Pouches: Scott Tinker Big Leaf Maple Burl Two Tier 5 Pipe Stand

Professional opera tenor soloist turned woodworker, Scott Tinker takes a very hands-on approach to his craft, as in, wherever feasible he favors actual hand-tools over powered tools; creates his own varnishes from natural, raw resins and oils; and champions extra-fine hand planing over sanding when it comes to producing a superior finish. The planing technique is particularly noteworthy, as it does a wonderful job of bringing out a wood's potential for reflective properties, and a beautiful shimmer — as Scott points out, even fine-grit sanding will leave a wood's surface "fuzzy" at a microscopic level, diffusing the light that strikes it.

You can see the stunning results of that careful technique here in this two-tiered, five-pipe stand. Scott chose "live edge" big leaf maple burl, which is absolutely consumed by a beautiful tempest of grain. With Scott's hand-planed finish, the swirling, natural beauty of the wood really comes into its own, and pairs spectacularly with the wizened, natural surface of the wood which frames the platform's edge.