Bird's eye white oak, Bird's eye black walnut, Spalted silver maple, Manitoba maple, Poplar, Willow, Elm, Cherry. ± 25  roughed-out washbasins and/or sink/vanity, 14"- 39" diam. are waiting for their final shape.

Martel washbasins  'bathroom sinks'

The washbasins are made of various species of Québec wood. A washbasin is crafted through several operations performed in stages over a period of one year.
The wood is first selected in the forest, then harvested, loped and pruned by hand, and transported manually to the warehousing facility. Manual handling of the wood throughout the harvesting operations is the only method to preserve the natural border of the wood.
The piece of wood is then cut up along the curve of the natural border and mounted on a lathe to be rough-hewed into a preliminary shape. It will remain in this form for the initial drying period, leaving enough material to fashion the final shape at the time of assembly. The washbasin is then waxed to slow the original drying process (± 9 months) and prevent splintering. The wood will twist and contort during the drying stage and will require to be turned anew before final drying.
But for now, the object awaits its new owner who will select it for its color and wood grain, its size and potential shape. The final plan for assembly is determined by the style selected by the new owner - conventional bowl, washbasin or sink/vanity. For instance, the washbasin can be installed on a base of stainless steel, wrought iron or wood. The larger sinks with borders are best suited for "expressive" presentations.

Given the multiple possibilities for mounting styles, it is natural that the final styling takes place after the unit is sold in order to suit individual tastes. In other words, the washbasin is conditioned by the final shape of the bottom part, which remains variable until the very final step.

Taps may be mounted on the border of the washbasin itself, on the vanity surface or to the wall, depending on individual preferences. Plumbing process itself is standard.
The washbasins are treated with 10 coats of highly resilient epoxy for a perfect seal and longevity. The Martel washbasins bear a 2-year warranty against any fabrication defect or alteration under normal use, and can also easily be repaired by us in the case of some unusual accident.

I would be happy to greet you in my workshop and take you through a selection of washbasins of different sizes and shapes, awaiting your styling preferences. Let's make an appointment.
 
I look forward to meeting you.
André Martel.

Martel Kitchen Mortar
The pestle and mortar are fashioned in progressive complementary elliptical shapes. The strength of lateral output is thus multiplied through the lever arm principle. The tip of the pestle anchors at the bottom of the mortar while, through the circular motion, the sides apply total contact to the circumference of the mortar. The condiments are thus submitted to a multiplied pressure (lever effect) as they are transformed into powder or paste. The process is quick and efficient, leaving no untouched substance in unreachable zones at the bottom of the mortar.

Martel mortars are made of Sugar Maple (square) and Ironwood (round), the two hardest species in Québec. They will not absorb damp condiments such as garlic and will not alter in time. They are coated with approved food-based finished.

I have been making these mortars for 25 years and satisfied users keep coming back to offer hem as gifts.

Refine your culinary performances and embellish your kitchen with this refined touch of art.