Woodworking Technology students showed off their projects at a showcase held at the Kitchener - Doon campus.
Riley Orr shows off his black walnut table, which was awarded first place the Best in Manufactured Product Awards sponsored by long-time industry partner FS Tool.
On display August 16 at the Woodworking Centre of Ontario were projects designed and constructed by second-year students. The top three projects were chosen by faculty and staff for the Best in Manufactured Product Awards, sponsored by long-time industry partner FS Tool.
First place went to Riley Orr for his black walnut table.
Second place went to Elliot Merriman, who built a live-edge walnut desk with drawers, including a hidden one.
Third place went to Ethan Miller for his live-edge cherry desk decorated with bowties of contrasting wood and epoxy.
Orr crafted the table for his girlfriend’s parents, starting with 3D renders to perfect the design, including the table legs that are elegant in their simplicity.
“I like the sleek design and how it brings your eyes up,” Orr said. “I couldn’t be more happy with it. It really was a lot of fun to make.”
Being awarded the top honour at the showcase’s conclusion was a proud moment for Orr: “I like my table, but it’s so cool to see other people appreciate it.”
Ryan Maraj crafted a hexagon games table for up to six players out of cherry wood with an inlay design on the top, the walnut and maple beautifully coloured with stains he mixed to get just right. Maraj marked up the top to give it an aged, rustic feel, and he can’t wait to try it out on a game night with his friends. “It’s big enough to play any board game.”
Nolan Kosempel created a solution for his puzzle-loving parents. His red oak coffee table features two hinged panels on the top that open to reveal the space for a jigsaw puzzle in progress.
“You can close it up and protect it,” said Kosempel of this security feature needed when the family welcomed a puppy into their home.
James Gowan created a custom shoe cabinet for his girlfriend’s parents with a drawer at the top for storage, and one below that opens with special hinges to neatly store footwear. He cut the front from one panel of cherry to preserve the grain and expertly created a smooth and clear finish.
“My favourite part is probably the finish,” Gowan said.
Takiya May also wanted to construct something for a specific purpose - a space where she could work on and store diamond paintings. Her table included a pull-out tray for a painting in progress and soft-close drawers for storage.
“It’s a lot of labour and it’s a lot of love,” May said.
Aislynn Gibbons crafted a secretary desk, embracing a vintage esthetic for old-fashioned furniture. Details include a diamond pattern on the sides of the cherry and maple desk, bold grains and an intricate pattern using woodburning on the front of the fold-out table with an antique-looking handle.
“I personally love the older style,” Gibbons said. “It’s beautiful. It can be tucked away in a corner and just folded out when you need it.”
Instructor Courtney McRonald was impressed by the students’ skills and dedication demonstrated in the showcase. “Each project represents an entire school year of work and we are proud of the results that each student has achieved.”
Established in 1988, the Woodworking Centre of Ontario is among North America's leading training centres for woodworking. This respected and renowned institution has produced countless industry leaders and talented craftspeople who have gone on to have fulfilling careers in the woodworking trade.
Conestoga offers several woodworking programs available at the centre: Woodworking Technology, Woodworking Technician, Woodworking Techniques and Cabinetmaker.