This piece was built around two old windows that a friend gave me. The cabinet sides and lower doors are reclaimed 1 x 12 pine paneling. Zinc counter top. 
Liquor cabinet from reclaimed windows and paneling
Posted in FOUND: Objects, Furniture, Kitchens with tags liquor cabinet reclaimed wood on January 29, 2012 by benridderingCheck out Hock Furniture
Posted in Uncategorized on January 19, 2012 by benridderingCongrats to my friend Seth Hock on launching his new web site! Check it out: http://www.hockfurniture.com/ Seth and I work together often. He is a great craftsman and a true friend. 
Hanging bed highlighted by Apartment Therapy
Posted in Beds, Press with tags appartment therapy, suspended bed on January 11, 2012 by benriddering
Progress report
Posted in Built-in pieces with tags copper panels on December 24, 2011 by benriddering
Here are some photos of the latest project that I have been working on with John Brigham. Also involved in the planning and construction were Karl Lundeen, Nate Brigham, and West Fletcher. The painters on this project were Daniel Brennan and Dana Hartley. 
library (above) and kitchen (below)
The counter tops have not been installed. There will be pewter counters on the breakfast bar and soapstone on the remainder. Below you will see a step back hutch with a built in mini frig and custom red copper panels.
Merry Gentlemen
Posted in The Ridderings... on December 17, 2011 by benriddering
God rest ye merry gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Quote for the day:
Posted in Thought of the day on June 7, 2011 by benriddering“Whenever I’m about to do something, I think, ‘would an idiot do that?’ And if they would, I do not do that thing.” — Dwight Schrute
San Louie
Posted in Press with tags San Louie magazine on March 6, 2011 by benriddering“The Central Coast magazine that sounds like your robust old uncle but reads like Shakespeare.”
If you haven’t yet discovered the new Central Coast magazine, San Louie, treat yourself a copy of their third issue. On pages 10-13 you will find a nice article by Ryan Miller featuring my work. Photos by Jennifer Manuele.
“San Louie is the magazine for people in the know. It’s a quarterly publication which will be available both in print and online, created by San Luis Obispo residents who are invested in their community and its cultural well-being. It’s for people who love to read but also appreciate the respite of a provocative illustration or beautifully rendered map. San Louie explores the cultural, artistic and scientific goings-on relevant to the Central Coast while paying homage to its rich past. We respect our readers and hold dear the belief that small towns cater to big minds.”
Check out San Louie (and even purchase their magazines online) at www.sanlouie.com . Ryan Miller, who wrote the article, also has a website. Check it out at www.halfpennyorchestra.com
Dining table
Posted in Tables with tags dining table, square pedestal table on February 11, 2011 by benriddering
This dining room table pulls apart into three rectangular pedestal tables (each top measuring 46″ x 52″). They can be used individually, or as one large table as shown.
I salvaged the planks for this table top from an old beach house in Morro Bay. (Thanks for the wood, Chip!)
Pedestals cut from old 10″ x 14″ douglas fir posts–salvaged from an old building in San Luis Obispo, CA. From the ring count, this tree was at least 150 years old when it was cut, and the building that it came from was a good 80-100 years old. This tree started growing sometime in the mid-seventeenth century (or earlier).
—UPDATE—
Client has requested benches to go along the back side of the table. Following are my preliminary sketches:
The seats and backs will be upholstered.
A new toy
Posted in FOUND: Objects with tags Davis & Wells horizontal boring machine on January 29, 2011 by benriddering
I just bought this Davis & Wells horizontal boring machine. I intend to restore it and use it for mortising. Now all I need is an XY table. I’m also looking for a Jacobs 34B chuck (3/4″ spindle, 16tpi)–it has gone out of production. Anyone have an extra?
Reclaimed brick driveway
Posted in Brick Work with tags brick driveway, old brick, reclaimed brick driveway on January 15, 2011 by benriddering
Yet another brick project that I have been putting off for too long.
We poured 3.5″ of concrete as a base for our brick driveway. Up until now, we have always put the bricks directly onto firmly packed sand, but as a parking spot this will bear more weight. 
Here I am sweeping the dry cement mixture into the spaces between the bricks (above). My wife, Shannon came up with this pinwheel mosaic (below).
And we lived happily ever after.
