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Oak Leaves Studio

Pneumatic carving tools used by wood carver William J. Schnute

William J. Schnute started carving when he was 7.  His studio is located at 19 Frye Mill Road in Wilton, NH adjacent to Frye’s Measure Mill.

Oak Leaves Studio is "Open" for business. Sign carved by William J. Schnute
Oak Leaves Studio is “Open” for business. Sign carved by William J. Schnute

William J. Schnute received his education in biology and his art reflects that training. He works mostly on commission on a variety of projects including signs, gates, doors and headboards. This large piece is called “The Chase”.

The Chase
The Chase

He uses pneumatic carving tools which look and sound like dentist drills.

Pneumatic carving tools used by wood carver William J. Schnute
Pneumatic carving tools used by wood carver William J. Schnute

When I visited Wiliam was working on a wooden chicken sculpture for a customer . The pneumatic carving tools make it easier to remove large amounts of wood.

Work in progress, a chicken sculpture
Work in progress, a chicken sculpture

Most of the works have clear finishes revealing the grain of the wood. There are a few whimsical exceptions.

Green rabbit sculpture
Green rabbit sculpture
Fire extinguisher
Fire extinguisher

Fyre’s Measure Mill has been making Shaker and colonial boxes since 1858. Some of the customers commission decorative carvings for the boxes. Note the detail of he carving.

Maple leaf carving on top of a shaker box
Maple leaf carving on top of a shaker box
Maple Leaf sculpture (detail)
Maple Leaf sculpture (detail)
Llama Mask
Llama Mask
"Not" Sign
“Not” Sign
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