How We Work.
Our unique partnership pairs expertise in 3D scanning, digital modelling and CNC production with conservation consultancy and highly skilled traditional hand carving and joinery.
This pairing of two distinctly different practices employs digital technologies to support and elevate traditional process, rather than attempt to replace it. As a result, our unique workflow harnesses the powerful new capabilities of digital production, while fully retaining the vital authenticity of fine traditional craftsmanship.
Our approach has been met with instant enthusiasm and we are now working on a number of significant conservation projects in wood.
The result is a revolution in possibilities, efficiency and reliability while fully retaining the authenticity of a completely hand carved finished, produced to the highest standards of craftsmanship and underpinned by an in-depth knowledge of conservation practice.
Our process includes the following stages:
Conservation Expertise
Refinery matches its technical expertise and skilled craftsmanship with extensive conservation knowledge, ensuring the best outcomes for the repair and restoration of historic features.
Refinery provides detailed conservation reports and consultancy for projects of all sizes.
Digital 3D Scanning
Our production grade digital 3D scanning offers a practical means to create an accurate record of complex ornate surfaces, making it ideal for capturing the surface of historic features.
This process can serve as a digital safeguard, enabling accurate and authentic repair or replacement in the event of loss or damage.
These 3D digital scans are the first stage in accessing a wealth of digital capabilities.
Digital Modelling
These scans are refined into versatile 3D models that sit at the heart of our digital workflow and bring a wide range of new capabilities to the traditional craft process.
Through photo-real CGI visuals and 3D printed scale models, they enable examination and client approval before any work begins, eliminating risk and uncertainty.
They then drive the CNC milling of all ornate forms, voiding out the bulk of material to a near-form, bringing efficiency and accuracy. Finally, these near-forms are then hand carved to their finished surface.
CNC Cutting
Our digital production model now drives the CNC cutting of timber, transferring the digital data into physical form.
The CNC process cuts away from timber, to reveal a highly accurate copy of this digital form.
The digital production models drive the CNC milling of all ornate forms, voiding out the bulk of material to a near-form, bringing efficiency and accuracy. Finally, these near-forms are then hand carved to their finished surface.
Hand Carving
Our digital production brings innovation and accuracy to the creation of these near-forms, it then hands over to traditional process to create finished pieces righ in historic authenticity.
Hand carving takes each piece from a near-form to its final surface, rich in detail and loaded with the visual language of fine traditional craft.
By working in this way, our digital process empowers and uplifts traditional craft, rather than any attempt to replace it. In doing so, it creates pieces with all the authenticity of traditional process while fully benefitting harnessing the capabilities of new technology.
Traditional Fine Joinery
Alongside the hand carving of final surfaces, we use traditional joinery techniques to ensure every aspect of finished pieces are produced to the highest standards of craftsmanship, underpinned by an in-depth knowledge of conservation practice.