Klaasivalmistuses

Klaasivalmistuses refers to a specific process in traditional Estonian carpentry, primarily used for the construction of buildings and furniture. This traditional method of woodworking employs a combination of medieval techniques and hand tools to create functional and ornate pieces.

At its core, klaasivalmistuses involves the use of hand-cut wooden wedges, carved individually to fit perfectly between the joints in the wood, allowing the pieces to be assembled with minimal rubbing and friction. Carpenters using this technique begin by dissolving tissue and fat in water to create a mixture, which is then applied to the ceil area where the wooden wedges are applied.

The substance applied in this process has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties and helps to prevent the wood from warping or cracking over time. This organic aid also has a unique preservation quality, thus aiding to prevent mold and wood rot in wooden structures. Typically, the entire process, from woodland to furniture construction, was accomplished manually by use of local wood supplies and local sourced very specific binds.

The craft of klaasivalmistuses has been a staple of traditional Estonian woodworking for centuries, and while modern mechanized woodworking methods may be faster and more efficient, the preservation and natural nature-based demands remain being acknowledged by both modern woodworkers and preservationists.