EAST Interview: The WIM Group's Inventive Woodcraft

The WIM Group stands for Woodworking, Innovating, and Manufacturing not only in name, but also in practice. Their team of skilled woodworkers includes designers, finishers, and craftsmen that work together to further their mission to "leverage modern technology and engineering to promote old world craftsman values". The WIM Group has created impressive conference tables, restaurant dining sets, intricate coffee tables, and custom kitchen cabinetry. Although their work has a sleek and classic feel to it, many of the projects are made with assistance from a CNC machine (essentially a computer guided programmable controller that can make advanced cuts that would be impossible to do by hand). The WIM Group's team wears many hats and together they tackle the design, construction, assembly, finishing, and installation of their work. The WIM Group's studio (located at 801 Springdale Dr.) will be open for this weekend's East Austin Studio Tour.

Tell us a little bit about your process. It seems like collaboration plays a big part in what you do.

We are lucky to have a group of people working together here that have a wide range of experience, and a variety of talents. As a team, these combined strengths give us a sense of tradition and craftsmanship, while looking to the future of technology and production for small custom shops. Everyone here is essential, and by working together and learning from each other we are able to refine our processes.

Where can your work be seen around town?

We’ve done a lot of work for Stubb's BBQ; the Hickory tables with zinc tops, chairs, front doors. We also added to the existing bar to match the original one.

What are some techniques you can only do with a CNC machine? Are there other woodworking skills you prefer to do more traditionally?

The CNC Router is fast, accurate, and can repeat tasks endlessly; but it cannot replace skilled handwork. The CNC is one of the tools in the shop that allows us to be flexible and produce custom work faster, but one must bring the knowledge of how things should be built to this equipment. Our tools range from hand planes to laptops; all of them at home here and used with equal importance.