The Hardwood Craftsman
Restoration & Woodworks
Trained by the finest Antique Restorers in England
Professional Furniture Repair in the Madison area
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Storefront shop on University Ave
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Damaged drawer face
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Restored drawer face
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Broken/missing drawer pull
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New hand carved drawer pull
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Custom cherry desk build
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Working with wood for over 50 years
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Trained in England
Crafts-man-ship
/‘kraf(t) smen SHip/ noun
1. the quality of design and work shown in something made by hand; artistry
After 27 years of government service, I’ve decided to start a second career that lets me see and touch the work I create each day. I’ve always had a passion for building and fixing things, so in 2020 I decided to make that passion my next career. In preparation, I studied under the very best instructors to learn my trade, then opened a professional furniture repair shop in Middleton, Wisconsin.
The Hardwood Craftsman LLC is an antique restoration business operated with a craftsman’s touch. I have worked on everything from hand crafted peasant furniture to elegant family heirlooms, and most everything in between. Several antique dealers regularly trust me with highly valuable pieces that have to be repaired properly. Not everyone is my customer - only those who love their furniture and wish to pass it on to the next generation.
I have attended multiple training courses on woodworking and antique repair, most notably the Peter Thomas Beginner Antique Restoration Course in Exeter, England, the John Lloyd Advanced Antique Restoration Course in Sussex, England, and the Unplugged Workshop at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine.
I have also published two articles in Quercus Magazine, an international hand tool woodworking publication based in the United Kingdom.
Testimonials
“Highly recommend The Hardwood Craftsman. Difficult to find someone so skilled in this day and age!”
— Bob R. (owner of Atomic Antiques)
“Amazing craftsman. Very skilled. Dennis can repair almost any furniture issue I bring him. And as an Antique Dealer I have brought him challenging ones. Quick turn around w/ a reasonable cost. Couldn’t be happier working w/ him.”
— Sue D. (previous owner of Odana Antique Mall)
“Quality work by Dennis repairing a small antique rocking chair that was damaged in a move. Couldn’t be happier. Very impressed.”
— Glen A.
“Dennis had the listening skills to hear our vision, and then the craftsman’s skills to make that vision a beautiful reality. These bookcases - built for us by a kind and skilled artist - complete our room, and will be a treasure for years to come.”
— John V.
“Dennis is a true craftsman. I am so thankful that I fell upon his website.
— Linda U.
“Dennis will find an excellent and beautiful solution for you.”
— Theresa M.
“Dennis was wonderful to work with. Just a nice and honest guy. He also completed the work very timely. We highly recommend him!”
— Errin R.
Traditional Woodworking Tools & Skills
I’ve always been interested in woodworking and carpentry, but it wasn’t until I learned how to use antique hand tools that I was really able to refine my skills. Using old handsaws, chisels and hand planes teaches you the important concepts of “true” and “square”. This easily translates into the world of power tools, and I feel makes for a better woodworker. I now use a hybrid approach - reaching for the correct tool whether it plugs in or runs on human power.
