Jim Rendle
I worked as an Engineer for a large multinational company in many different countries before retiring in Bozeman MT. Our sons chose to attend MSU, and like many others before us we followed them here. We bought a small ranch and I fully expected to become a rancher. However, two years later the property was lost in a fire and we decided to cut our losses and move back to civilization. My guitars were destroyed in the fire and so I bought a Cigar Box Guitar on the internet to keep me going in the temporary accommodation. Well, the guitar was worthless and I was packing it up to return it, and decided that I could probably fix it, and I did. The guitar prompted a lot of requests for me to build some more, and so far I have built 170 plus. I'm currently working on my 2024 batch. I love demonstrating these at craft shows and giving lessons in the booth to anyone willing to try them.
I also became hooked on wood turning. Making shavings is great fun, and has allowed my artistic side to grow. I'm always looking to expand my skills and processes. I am the treasurer of the local wood turning club and I tutor wood turning to the students at our new high school.
I create acoustic/electric Cigar Box Guitars and Ukuleles. I use a variety of recycled cigar boxes, specialty boxes, and hand-crafted boxes for the body of the guitars. I make all the necks and assemble them with the boxes and purchased hardware and electronics. These are real instruments that please beginners and experienced players alike. Some are purchased as wall art.
The majority of my Wood Art is made on a lathe. The pieces could be categorized as either decorative or as utility pieces with appropriate high-quality finishes, lacquers, and oils. 95% of the wood comes from local downed trees. The products include bowls, platters, vases, bottle stoppers, potpourri, fungi, gnomes, Christmas ornaments, spinning tops, and pens.
I have a small workshop along the walls of my garage and an extensive array of tools which are mobile, and can be moved out to facilitate production. In addition, I finish the products in a section of my home office.
Bring me your special box, and your special branch, and I'll make something special for you!
I also became hooked on wood turning. Making shavings is great fun, and has allowed my artistic side to grow. I'm always looking to expand my skills and processes. I am the treasurer of the local wood turning club and I tutor wood turning to the students at our new high school.
I create acoustic/electric Cigar Box Guitars and Ukuleles. I use a variety of recycled cigar boxes, specialty boxes, and hand-crafted boxes for the body of the guitars. I make all the necks and assemble them with the boxes and purchased hardware and electronics. These are real instruments that please beginners and experienced players alike. Some are purchased as wall art.
The majority of my Wood Art is made on a lathe. The pieces could be categorized as either decorative or as utility pieces with appropriate high-quality finishes, lacquers, and oils. 95% of the wood comes from local downed trees. The products include bowls, platters, vases, bottle stoppers, potpourri, fungi, gnomes, Christmas ornaments, spinning tops, and pens.
I have a small workshop along the walls of my garage and an extensive array of tools which are mobile, and can be moved out to facilitate production. In addition, I finish the products in a section of my home office.
Bring me your special box, and your special branch, and I'll make something special for you!