Hello, my name is Jim Quant and I am a wood turner from western New York. I started wood turning at Whitesville Wood Products where I ran hydraulic back knife lathes for 13 years. I then did a few small turning projects on my own for a couple of years when I was approached by River Bend Turnings and offered a position there. I worked at River Bend Turnings also for 13 years until the company attempted to expand into flooring and custom doors; but it failed at that business venture. After more than 25 years in the industry I have decided to create my own business: JFQ Turnings.
Over the years I have produced orders of every kind of turning imaginable. These turnings have ranged from the replacement of a single spindle to the creation of hundreds of turnings for larger products. My work has been used in both home and business restoration projects across America. One of the high points of my career was when a set of my turnings was used on a television show. The show, a remake of Fantasy Island, aired in 1998. I did 150 turnings for the front porch and widow walk, along with balusters used on the stairway inside the house. I also completed an order of balusters for a very upscale company in New England that restored a beautiful mansion. After the restoration was finished the company, as a nice finishing touch, encapsulated a list in a wall off all who contributed to the project.
There have been some interesting challenges I have faced over the years. One that was the most satisfying was a customer sending me a spoon foot leg to turn in the early 1980's. I had never turned such a piece and all he sent me was one leg as a sample. It took a couple days of study to get the measurements right but I was able to figure it out as a two-step turning. I produced it for him and over time have made quite a few for his business. This is still a fun turning to do. I love creating with wood and have enjoyed the privilege of working with some of the finest craftsmen throughout New England and the country. Good luck on your projects and happy woodworking,
Jim