Bridging craft and code
- Davis creates antique style furniture in wood
- He brings automated tools to the world of traditional woodworking
- He is self-taught in 3D modelling and CNC operation
Davis Barons was born into a lineage of makers, from parents who worked with amber to uncles skilled in woodworking. Despite an early passion for physics, Davis felt a stronger pull toward the independence of a wood-based practice. "I chose to attend a technical carpentry school over traditional university, as I wanted to dedicate myself fully to my craft," he explains. During his studies, a mentor introduced Davis to the world of CNC technology, sparking a dual passion. For four years, he practised manual carpentry by day and taught himself 3D modelling and CNC operation by night. Today, Davis fuses traditional artistry with modern automation. By sharing professional-grade digital blueprints, he makes high-quality, intricate furniture construction accessible to anyone with a home workshop.
Interview
- Why did you choose to work with antique furniture?
- Modern furniture production did not offer enough of a challenge to keep me motivated. To make antique-style pieces, one must be good at craft, proportion and technical drawing. I find it much easier to showcase the complexity of true quality on antique furniture.
- What was the first object you ever crafted?
- My first real experience with woodworking was in the ninth grade. My family needed a cabinet for our home, and rather than buying one, I decided to buy a jigsaw and make one myself.
- Do you think that CNC trade schools will still exist in the future?
- Yes. Skilled woodworkers remain essential for creating premium and antique furniture. It often takes significantly less effort to execute these intricate details by hand than it does to programme a machine to do the same task. The human element of the craft is non-negotiable.
- How do you express yourself through your craft?
- I balance art and utility by pushing the boundaries of what home CNC machines can do. By adding textures and intricate fittings into my digital designs, I bring an artistic touch to a normally bland technique. My goal is to design complex projects that are made to be easily manufactured and assembled by other enthusiasts.
Davis Barons is a rising star: he began his career in 2018
Works
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Davis Barons
