Sometimes a new bench will start as an old power line pole, “a highline pole,” says Doug Rinkenberger.  From the tall, round poles of western red cedar, Doug cuts a long, square shape, pulling away the years of dust and weathering to reveal the beautiful wood beneath. Now the cedar is ready to serve as a signature piece of furniture.

In his Morris workshop, Doug is sandblasting an old metal bench. This time, he’s removing years of rust and, when he’s done, the bench will be fully restored with a new wooden seat fitted expertly between into the iron frame. “I try to keep the wood and these old benches from going to waste,” he says. By restoring the iron and adding fresh wood, the bench will last another few decades.

Doug will have a custom table and several benches in his booth at the Starbuck Vintage & Artisan Market. In addition to the furniture on display, he’s also taking custom orders for tables, benches, deck work, or wood steps for semi trucks. With a laser engraver, Doug can also customize your piece. “I’ve got a table in the shop right now with an outdoor scene,” he says. “There’s a deer in one corner, some water, a lot of texture—it’s shaping up nicely.”

Stop by Doug’s booth at the 4th Annual Starbuck Vintage & Artisan Market this weekend in Starbuck’s City Park. Find artisans, vintage merchants, and food vendors on Friday, August 1st from 4-8 PM and Saturday, August 2nd from 9 AM-4 PM with the Lake Minnewaska Classic Car Show on Saturday from 10 AM-2 PM.