Chuck's Woodbarn

Debut of New Steam Box Used to Create Beautiful, Unique Camel Back Trunks 

Chuck Zeller, of Chuck's Woodbarn, gave me some unique insight on the process of creating his unique trunks. He specializes in an art that seems to have been lost throughout the years- the art of steam bending wood.

True Camel Back Trunk by Chuck Zeller of Chuck's Woodbarn

"My old method of steaming wood was to use a turkey cooker fueled by propane. The steam produced was piped into a simple, crafted, wooden box. With this method, it took a long time to get the water to the correct temperature to produce steam; and, in the winter months, it was hard to get the water up to temperature at all. The water available at one time was limited to five gallons, and I was limited to  wood no longer than five feet. When the wooden box started to deteriorate, I began researching other methods. 

Chuck Zeller

After many months of research, I decided to make a new steam box. In the new steam cabinet, I designed a well-insulated stainless steel interior which solved my problem of being able to steam in the winter months. Also, the stainless steel has more longevity than the old cabinet. With the new system, I heat a small amount of water using an electric element in a container with a continuous supply of new water from a separate reservoir. This allows me to create steam in seven minutes, and bring the temperature in the cabinet up to the required 200+ degrees in a very short time. The system also reclaims the condensed water back into the reservoir. With the new steam box, I am now able to process wood that is six feet in length. I also wanted to create a steam box with character. Using old barn wood and an antique cast iron stove, I think I have accomplished this."

Basic Information on Steam Bending Wood:

• If the fibers in wood get too hot, they will break down, and the wood will become brittle. Using steam allows you to control the temperature.
• Using steam to heat the fibers makes the wood pliable, so that it can be bent and stretched simultaneously, then put in a form to dry in the desired shape. Once dry, the bent piece will retain its shape.  
• Steaming time depends on the wood's thickness. It can range from 20 minutes to over an hour. 
• Drying time also depends on thickness of the wood.  
• Many things affect the process- moisture content in the wood, grain pattern, growth rings, knots, splits, over or under steaming, and spring back are just a few of the obstacles. 

Chuck's Woodbarn 

Bartley, Nebraska 

308-692-3119

The Silver Mountain Furniture Company was started in New Hampshire, in 1995. Shortly thereafter, Jerry Brown designed and built his first rocking chair. The main objective was

Papa Bear Chair & Table by Silver Mountain Furniture Company

comfort, of course, but also to have good back support.

Many chairs are designed with spindles which tend to 'round' your back and shoulders and give little to no support. Over the years, Jerry's chair designs have evolved, but have never departed from the original goal of back support. In keeping with that goal, Jerry designed a lumbar support feature that can be incorporated into any of his rocking chairs. It is adjustable and removable so that each person can adjust it to their own specific comfort level.

Each rocking chair is handcrafted of solid hardwood- Black Walnut, Red Oak, or Pecan- not another wood that is stained to look like the real thing. Each chair is one-of-a-kind and of heirloom quality to be passed down through generations. More recently, Jerry designed "The Papa Bear", which is a large chair with a bistro-style table. This set would work wonderfully in someone's Man Cave!

Do you know how a rocking chair is supposed to sit?  Balance is very important. Give Silver Mountain Furniture Company a call, and they can tell you how to test one.

For 22 years, The Arrangement has been a resource for all things Western with spirited, intrinsically unique home furnishings.  If ever in Houston or Dallas, The Arrangement is on 'the tour' with soaring walls washed in deep toned colors and always brimming with western inspired pieces saturated with color, texture, and extraordinary design.

"Until now, our showrooms have been the best (and only) way to experience our warm and welcoming environment. Now, thanks to The Western Vault, one can shop our distinctive blend of home decor online!"

They are obsessive about quality and durability combined with the very best in design.  Their clients like to think of themselves as ordinary folks who want extraordinary homes.  Comfortable and richly toned pieces all make for the Best of the New West.  The Arrangement has furnished homes from coast to coast and works with architects and project designers.   

When you want the very best, The Arrangement is there for your needs.  "We are excited about our new virtual adventure and love the idea of being available to our loyal and prospective customers.  Because we have hundreds of vendors and can't put but a fraction online, call us with your requests.  Our design team will quickly send out an email to you with the items you are curious about from Tuscan inspired, cattle baron elegant, or mission hacienda.  We have just started working with a modern, contemporary cowboy ranch look that is for those urban dwellers or for folks that just want something new." 

Anytime you have a need for furniture or accessories, The Arrangement will be there for you via The Western Vault. They look forward to your inquiries. 

Artistic Furniture That Brings out the Beauty in Nature  

For the past 20 years, Andy and Aaron Sanchez have been creating original works of art. But what makes them different?

Aaron & Andy Sanchez

Andy & Aaron Sanchez 

2011 SUPREME COWGIRL CHALLENGE

Also this weekend is the 2011 Supreme Cowgirl Challenge benefiting the Curing Children's Cancer Fund. This year's event is open to ten teams composed of five ladies ready to test their ability over a series of events challenging both horse and rider. See The Western Vault's own Advisory Board member Linda Galayda and 49 other ladies compete in natural obstacle course (AKA Poker Chip), pasture cattle handling (AKA Mavericks), Pony Express hand-off relay, arena trail, and arena leggins relay race.

Supreme Cowgirl Challenge Kick-off Dinner

May 6, 2011

6:00 PM

May 7, 2011

8:15 AM

C-4 Land & Cattle Co. LTD.

6901 Anders Bottom Rd

La Grange, Texas

2011 CATTLE BARON'S BALL

On Saturday night, Houston donned it's western best and went "Stargazing on the Brazos" at the 2011 Cattle Baron's Ball. Everyone gathered in the party barn at the George Ranch Historical Park for food, games, and boot scootin'. In the midst of all the fun, Victory raised over $1 Million for the American Cancer Society. Be sure to check out our entire photo album from the weekend's events on The Western Vault.com or on our Facebook page!  

The Western Vault & The Arrangement proudly support the Cattle Baron's Ball

14th ANNUAL COWBOYS FOR KIDS BENEFIT

I had a blast last weekend at the 14th Annual Cowboys for Kids Benefit, supporting the Children's Advocacy Center. We wanted to help enlist people in the fight to keep abuse from ever happening to children. The Roping the Stars Dinner sponsored by Cleburne Ford raised $141,000 for the Children's Advocacy Center, bringing the total raised for the children to over $1 Million. Be sure to check out our entire photo album from the weekend's events on The Western Vault.com or on our Facebook page! 

Tammy King, Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy Center with Mandy Wooten, Marketing Director of The Western Vault. The Western Vault proudly supports Cowboys for Kids.

Calf Roping at the Stick Horse Rodeo during the 14th Annual Cowboys for Kids