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Woodworker Zachary Dillinger, of Charlotte, Mich., has been named to Early American Life magazine’s 2014 Directory of Traditional American Crafts in the Painted/Formal Furniture category. You’ll find this year’s list in the magazine’s June issue.
Zach (whose spice chest shown at left was featured in our August 2013 issue), is only 30 years old, but he’s been making things for two decades. Since 2008, he’s focused almost solely on authentic period work, using period tooling and techniques. (When he’s not in the woodshop, he’s likely working on his 1926 Model-T Ford or watching a soccer match*.)
“Being selected as a top traditional craftsman is a great recognition for me as an artisan. Every decision I make, from tool choice right up through finishing, is made with an eye toward maintaining that historical accuracy,” says Zach. “To me, this is the only way to truly make reproduction period furniture.”
Zach started out using hand tools because they were a quiet way to work, but soon decided to pull the plug – even on his car restoration work. “The period accuracy I desire can really only be achieved when using period tooling and techniques,” he says. “My main goal is to further my own skills, and to help promote authentic period work through writing about it and selling pieces that reflect those traits. Through this, I hope to make authentic period work the norm in the marketplace.”
You can see more of Zach’s work on his blog, the Eaton County Woodworker, and you’ll find a gallery of his work, including pieces for sale, on his web site. And look for the June issue of Early American Life, on newsstands soon.
Congratulations Zach!
( He’s a Liverpool fan, but I like him anyway.)
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