Please do not hesitate to contact me for any requests not covered in the F.A.Q. For professionals, it is recommended to contact me before placing an order to best fulfill your project.
Do you do serial work for restaurants and other businesses?
Yes, although most of my work involves small to medium-sized runs, I can produce runs of up to 500 items or more depending on the project.
Can your wooden items be eaten from?
Yes, wooden objects are perfectly suitable for food use: without chemical treatment, they ensure a meal with complete peace of mind.
What steps will my wooden object go through from tree to object?
All of your objects have gone through a long process and are the result of many hours of work before arriving at your home. Here's an overview:
- I fell the tree or retrieve it from the ground.
- I cut it into sections, then take it to the sawmill where it will be cut into slabs.
- The wood must then dry for at least one year (allow 1 year of drying per 1cm of thickness. So, patience is key).
- Once my wood is dry, the slabs find their place in my workshop where I use a compass to trace my templates.
- Then I move on to sawing to roughly cut out my shape.
- Now that my templates are ready, I let them dry for an additional month to ensure they maintain their shape perfectly.
- And it's only after all these steps that my woodturning skills come into play: I turn the piece, profile it, and hollow it out, turn after turn…
- I then sand my piece a first time with 80, 120, then 180 grit, and finally 240.
- I soak my piece in water to bring out any imperfections.
- Once dry, it's time for another round: sanding with 240 grit.
- Then I soak my piece in water again.
- I wait for it to dry to finally finish my sanding with 320 grit, which gives you a soft and smooth touch.
- Finally, I brand it with the "Tour après Tour" logo to sign my work.
- And I oil my piece with grapeseed oil for a beautiful glossy finish.
- Then, carefully packaged, the object goes to your home to offer you all my expertise.
Now that you know its whole story, it's your turn to take care of it.
What precautions should be taken?
Wood's enemies are excessive heat and excessive moisture. I therefore recommend avoiding dishwashers, microwaves, and other similar uses, as well as soaking your wooden items in water for too long. Let your dishes dry thoroughly, ideally in the open air and upright, before storing them.
What are the advantages of wood?
Wood is a living material, very resistant. Thus, a well-maintained wooden object can last you a lifetime. It is an ecological alternative, guaranteed chemical-free and 100% handmade.
Will my dishes get scratched by knives?
Logically, wood can show knife marks. But don't panic! Wood fibers naturally re-bond when you apply a new coat of food-grade oil (such as grapeseed oil) to rejuvenate your tableware.
How to care for a wooden object?
To wash your wooden objects, simply use a little warm water and your usual dish soap if necessary. Rinse and let air dry in a place where water does not stagnate. Once completely dry, store your object flat.
Wood is naturally resistant, but above all, remember that it is a living material: so don't hesitate to nourish your wood from time to time. A little edible oil of your choice when your object dulls to maintain its shiny appearance, and you're done!
Is the wood treated?
The wood I transform is guaranteed untreated and can therefore be suitable for all food uses. All the objects I create simply have a fine sanding finish, to ensure a smooth and pleasant texture to the touch. I also apply a grapeseed oil finish, which provides protection and shine.
Where does the workshop's wood come from?
I mainly work with local woods that I fell or salvage and transport myself or purchase directly as slabs. The trees I work with are primarily those that have fallen due to wind or are slated for felling, and are not the result of overexploitation.
Ash or walnut? Which wood to choose?
First of all, these two wood species are selected for their resistance, their aesthetics, and their compatibility with food products. Walnut offers a nuanced grain, with dark and/or light tones, which often provides that wonderful two-tone grain.
Ash, on the other hand, is all about elegance and subtlety. It is light, honey-colored with pearly reflections.
These two species are very common in Isère and are therefore harvested near the workshop by me.
Will the part ordered be identical to the photo?
Each piece is unique. As a woodturner, I can guarantee the regularity of the announced shapes and dimensions (very slight variations may be observed), but from one piece to another, the wood grain will offer a unique pattern. The color may also vary, especially on walnut pieces.
Please do not hesitate to write to me at contact@ateliertouraprestour.com to receive a photo before shipment to validate your order and ensure your utmost satisfaction.