Don't Be Afraid to Ask
Unique & Unusual Woodworking Projects in Ottawa
From ancient instruments to wellness tools β no project is too unusual. We research, we learn, and we craft with precision.
Some of the Most Rewarding Projects Start with "Can You Make...?"
At Ottawa Handiman, we don't just say yes β we dive deep into understanding what you need, why it matters, and how to craft it perfectly.
Have an Unusual Request? Let's Talk!The Bullroarer Project
When Ancient Instruments Meet Modern Craftsmanship
The Unusual Request
"I was asked to create one of these by a client β a bullroarer β for her wellness practice. So I looked it up and using some wood I had on hand, crafted four of different sizes. I wasn't sure if they'd work, but she tried each one out and they all worked, but each had a unique pitch. I know she only wanted one, but it was an interesting project and I wanted to perfect the build."
β Ottawa Handiman
Four bullroarers crafted in different sizes, each producing a unique pitch
The Research: What is a Bullroarer?
A bullroarer is an ancient aerophone musical instrument β essentially a weighted, flat piece of wood attached to a string. When spun in circles, it produces a distinctive low-pitched roaring sound that can travel for miles.
Cultural Significance Around the World
- Australian Aboriginal: Sacred ritual tool, voice of the Rainbow Serpent, used in male initiation ceremonies
- MΔori (New Zealand): Called pΕ«rerehua ("moth"), used in healing and rainmaking ceremonies
- Ancient Greece: Known as rhombos, used in mystery cults to invoke divine presence
- Native American: Employed in rainmaking, healing, and as the voice of thunder
- Paleolithic Europe: Among humanity's oldest instruments, found in Stone Age sites
The Physics Behind the Sound
The rotating aerodynamic profile creates lift and pressure oscillations, producing the characteristic roaring sound. Different sizes create different pitches β larger bullroarers produce lower frequencies.
The Crafting Process
Material Selection
Selected quality wood from workshop stock, considering grain direction for strength and resonance
Shape & Size Design
Created four different sizes based on research, each designed to produce a different pitch
Precision Cutting
Carefully shaped each piece with the proper aerodynamic profile for optimal sound production
Testing & Refinement
Each bullroarer tested and refined until achieving the perfect balance and sound
The Result
What started as an unusual request for a wellness practice tool became a journey through 5,000 years of human history and culture. The client received not just one, but four bullroarers, each with its own unique voice.
Client delighted with the variety of pitches
Deep understanding of traditional craftsmanship gained
Ancient technique preserved through modern workshop
Perfect example of research-driven woodworking
When 'Discontinued' Isn't the End
Recreating Unavailable Fence Toppers Through Reverse Engineering
The Challenge
A client came to me wanting his fence toppers replaced after refurbishing his fence. The challenge? The style and size were no longer available anywhere β completely discontinued. He brought in one original topper, hoping I could recreate matching pieces.
This wasn't just about cutting wood to size. It required reverse engineering a discontinued product, understanding its design language, and replicating both the aesthetic and structural elements that made the original special. When manufacturers discontinue products, homeowners are often left with no options β that's where custom craftsmanship becomes invaluable.
The original sample alongside fresh wood blanks ready for transformation
The Crafting Process
This project demanded a combination of traditional and precision techniques. Starting with careful measurements of the original, I created templates to ensure perfect replication.
Template Creation
Traced and measured the original to create precise patterns for replication
Rough Shaping
Cut the basic profiles using band saw and jigsaw for the curved elements
Hand Carving
Refined the decorative details and curves through careful hand carving
Progressive Sanding
Multiple grits of sanding to achieve the smooth, weather-ready finish
The combination of machine precision and hand craftsmanship was essential. While power tools provided the accuracy needed for perfect replication, the hand carving brought the character and subtle variations that make it feel authentic rather than mass-produced.
The Result
After careful work combining cutting, carving, and sanding, I delivered fence toppers that perfectly matched the original. Each piece maintained the distinctive profile and proportions that made the discontinued style special.
The client was thrilled β his refurbished fence could now be completed with matching toppers that looked like they'd always belonged there. What started as a seemingly impossible request (matching a discontinued product) became a successful demonstration of custom craftsmanship solving real-world problems.
"What I love most is seeing the project come together from what I first envisioned to putting that into a plan, and then pulling it all together. There's a satisfaction in working with wood and creating that I find fulfilling."
β Ottawa Handiman
What's Your Fun Project?
Your unique challenge could be our next featured case study
Have something that's been discontinued? Need a part that no one makes anymore? Looking for someone to tackle that "impossible" request? Every unusual project starts with someone brave enough to ask.
Discontinued items
Historical recreations
Custom designs
Problem-solving builds
The Research & Learn Philosophy
Every unusual request follows our proven approach
Deep Research
We don't just build β we understand. Historical context, cultural significance, and technical requirements all matter.
Technical Analysis
Understanding the physics, mechanics, or purpose behind each request ensures we deliver exactly what's needed.
Precision Crafting
30+ years of experience meets curiosity. We perfect each build, often creating multiple versions to get it just right.
Continuous Learning
Every unusual project adds to our knowledge base, making us better craftsmen for the next unique challenge.
Have Something Unusual in Mind?
No project is too strange β let's explore it together
Whether it's a traditional tool, a wellness instrument, a historical recreation, or something completely unique β we love the challenge of unusual requests. Our research-driven approach means we'll understand not just what you want, but why it matters.
Remember: Don't be afraid to ask!