Travis Zumwalt has been around wood his whole life. He witnessed his father, a carpenter, work with wood then began to work the trade himself. Next it was on to wood carving, musical instrument making, wooden cabinet making, and finally the lathe. With it's limitless possibilities it hooked him like no other method of woodwork.
His first lathe was bought in 2000 for $100. It only lasted 10 minutes, trying to turn a djembe body out of a 30" long, 14" wide piece of green pistachio, the lathe wasn't made for that kind of turning. It started to smoke then died.
Next was an old 40's delta, nicely built. Limited by the 12" capability and 4 speed pulley, it was sold when Travis and his wife and son moved to Maui, Hawaii. A grizzly 14" lathe was next but he quickly realized it's limits. Then the decision was made to invest in a "real" lathe. The Powermatic 20" 2 H.P. Along with a jet mini lathe for fairs and demos. This combo is a nicely rounded package that can handle every wood creation challenge so far. Currently living on Maui, he gets to work with Koa wood, Mango, Monkey Pod, (Ohai), Pheasent Wood, many types of Eucalyptus wood, Kamani, Hau, Ear Pod, Ohia, Cypress, Jacaranda, Hale Koa and more species of wood all the time.
He is constantly testing out new designs and learning new techniques. Every situation is a learning experience. With 10 years of practice his pieces become ever more beautiful.
