We are THE suppliers of 'Eye Candy' TM

Internet sales only - we do not maintain a retail showroom.  We are located in a light industrial zoning district that does not allow over-the-counter retail sales.

I had the privilege of knowing Ray Allen for just five short years.  Although short in stature this man was a giant in the turning fraternity.  He was self-taught and he gladly shared what he had learned with others who were interested in improving their turning ability.  He accomplished more in 13 years than most people in this craft do in a lifetime.  Until his health began to fail he worked seven days a week out in his shop creating exceptional pieces of art.  Even during our hot (and I mean really hot) summers he would be out in his shop well before daybreak cutting, turning and bitching it was too hot.  In the winter he would have a propane heater running and I would accuse him of being a 'Wuss' and he would flip me the 'bird' indicating that I was still "Number 1" and keep turning.   

Ray taught me pretty much all that I know about woodturning and when I asked Ray to critique my work I used to refer his review as the "Ray Allen Posterior Weight Loss Program" because he would chew your hind end off when he found fault with my work.  He was direct, not politically correct (a definite plus) and totally dedicated in his craft.

As in any friendship we had our good times as well as the bad but I can honestly say that Ray was truly an inspiration to me.  He taught me things that I would have never thought of on my own and he took the time to show me how to become a better turner.  We spent many an evening over dinner at our house, sipping Jack Daniels Black Label discussing the different aspects of woodturning while our wives fell asleep waiting for us to finish.  I remember one evening they came over for dinner and we had grilled some steaks and Ray really didn't have the appetite for beef.  So while Kathy, Phyllis and I enjoyed beef he had a bowl of Rice Krispies!  I also spent many evening's at his home savoring Phyllis's culinary delights - that woman could make a chicken enchilada casserole that would make your eyes water!

This page will be an ongoing project.  I will relate some of the funny stories about Ray (he's gone now so I don't have to worry about him sneaking up on me to retaliate) as well as adding some additional pictures of his creations.  I hope you enjoy this humble tribute to a man I consider "One of the Best".