Hi Luke, how are you today? Can you tell me a little about yourself and Luke in the Garage?
Yes! I am a maker of things, mostly from wood. I love experimenting, challenging myself, and learning. If it's not fun, I'm probably bored. I have two kids, or maybe two aspiring comedians, two dogs, and I have been married for over 10 years. By day, I am a commercial real estate broker. By night, a creator.
What got you into woodworking? How long have you been building?
Honestly, I was bored, haha. I have been building my whole life but got into woodworking more seriously when COVID started. I was home, and my work basically blew up, so I wanted to learn something. It was pretty quick to find out how passionate I am about making. So I guess it's been more than two years? It feels like a lot more.
What inspired you to create the epic epoxy and colored veneer sledgehammer?
I made a bunch of mallets, and I LOVE working with the colored skateboard veneers from Roarockit. There was a Builder’s Challenge, and the theme was all about mallets, so I was thinking, how cool would it be to make a mallet from skateboard veneers and 3D carve it on my CNC. So I did, but it was a giant pain in the butt, and I didn't love it. The mallet didn't represent my vision. I thought to myself, this could be more colorful, bigger, more exciting... so I thought, what if I made a mallet that was the maximum size I could make on my CNC, and it was entirely from skateboard veneers and epoxy... would it be strong enough to break a cinder block? Turns out the answer was yes.
How did you use Roarockit products to create the piece? Tell us more about the process! How did you find out about us?
I found out about you guys from watching a buddy of mine, David from Atelier Qube in Belgium. I didn't know about colored veneers at the time. The thing was, he had a really nice custom veneer press, and that was intimidating. He's serious. So when I started researching, I found the vacuum press bags and saw you had the veneers in so many amazing colors. I knew that day that we should be best friends. I was nervous at first, so I made my own veneer presses with melamine and clamps but wow, so many clamps. Then I got my first veneer press bag, and that's when I felt like I was leveling up. I still try different techniques to apply veneers, but I really am excited every time I get to work with colored wood.
We love the video you made! What was the most satisfying thing you smashed during filming?
I'd say the ice tower. That thing was a pain in the butt to make, and the fact I got it to work was incredible. How amazing was it to see the ice explode? That was the best. Though the cinder block kinda blew my mind.
How did you decide what color combinations to use in your sledgehammer? It's so eye-catching!
I have to give credit to my wife. I was overwhelmed with options. I bought so many colors, so I told her I needed two boards with, I think, 7 or 8 layers and one with 12 layers, and she organized it all, putting the colors in an order she liked. I wasn't sure at first, but as I built it, it really came together. I am working on another project now, and I let my 5-year-old son pick the pattern. He seemed to know what he was doing.
What would you change if you were to do the project over again?
Oh, man... there are little things, such as making the pin holes for the brass rods slightly bigger and aligning them better when gluing up. That's really it. If there was a way to design it to make sanding easier, I am all ears. I did 3 practice sledgehammers, so I could work out a lot of the kinks with the design.
What are your thoughts on working with our colored veneers? Are there any tips you can give to aspiring builders out there?
I love it. There is something about when someone asks where I got my plywood from. Getting to tell people I made it myself feels great. I would tell people, don't be intimidated by it. Even my first project was a success, so just go for it. Maybe start simple, but color with wood is really such an excellent-looking effect, and there are so many ways to use this stuff. Just go for it.
If people want to know more about your work, where can they see your creations and contact you
@lukeinthegarage on Insta, Tiktok, and Youtube are the best places to find me. People have been very generous in helping me, and I always look to pay it forward. Feel free to DM me with any questions.
Thanks again for your time Luke. Any last words for the readers back home?
Yes, I will leave you with my favorite quote: “Do your own thing, man, be your own self, and when you find your niche, freak it.” - Andre 3000
Taryn O'Grady,
Roarockit Skateboard Company