Darrel Amato – Sawdust Runs In His Blood

Connie

Darrel Amato’s father and grandfather both owned cabinet shops when he was growing up. “I guess sawdust runs in my blood” Darrel jokes when explaining the family history. He’s lost them both now, but feels like they are right there with him in his shop. A shop he named after them – DLR Woodworks for Darrel, father Leroy and grandfather Rogers. Darrel’s older brother, Vinnie, has also carried on the family tradition and owns his own cabinet shop, as well. Darrel works as a hardwood lumber salesman, but he builds furniture on the side. The furniture that he builds is sold through his employer, Acadian Hardwoods in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Although, not a furniture store, they are impressed enough with his carpentry skills to want to sell his pieces.

Adirondack chair made from light wood — Darrel is well known for his outdoor chairs and swings.

Slatted wooden porch swing in the shop — He sells his furniture pieces at the hardwoods store where he works.

Mostly, Darrel uses the CarveWright to cut pieces for his outdoor swings, benches and chairs, but he recently finished a 14’ live-edge table measuring between 45 & 48” in width. That table was a collaboration with his brother Vinnie, and his, “right-hand-man”, son Nathan. He used the CarveWright CNC to cut the leg and feet sections for the table.

Live edge table with carved legs and feet — The legs and and feet pieces for this live edge table were cut on the CarveWright

His favorite project to date is the 4’ T-Rex made out of glued up strips of Sinker Cypress. His sons, three year old Cayden and 18 year old Nathan, seem to enjoy it, too!

Darrel with his sons and a large wooden T-rex model — Darrel with his beloved sons, and T-rex

Darrel and wife Cynthia purchased their first CarveWright after being introduced to it by a friend. That friend also helped him learn how to use it after being intimidated by it for several months. Now, he is confident enough to have purchase a second machine to keep up with the work in his shop.

Darrel standing at his CarveWright machines in his shop

Of course, sometimes he loves just making fun projects for his friends and family. Many of his projects have been personal requests.

Striped hardwood cutting board engraved Annoying the Cook will Result in Smaller Portions

Carved relief of a galloping horse on wood

One particular technique he has discovered is an amazing process for carving photos into wood. The results are stunning.

Photo of two children carved into a wood relief

Photo of a dog carved into an octagonal wood plaque

Photo of a rider on a motorcycle carved into wood

Darrel has found “with a machine that has so many capabilities, it’s hard not to start challenging myself with new projects”.

Carved African savanna scene with elephants and lions on a blue epoxy background

Carved and painted crest with eagles and a shield on a round black plaque

Darrel is continuing the family tradition with his oldest son Nathan, whom assists him regularly in his shop. Keeping the sawdust in the family blood, if you will. I expect he will be passing down his CarveWright to him one day, too.