VIDEO: Crafting my final masters exam piece in Germany

In Germany, anyone aiming to work independently as a carpenter (here meaning furniture maker) has to earn the title of ‘master’. As part of the masters’ exam each candidate must build a piece of furniture that reflects their craftsmanship and understanding of the trade.

In this 33 minute long video, Berlin based maker Maxim Leonard takes you through his entire process, from raw timber to finished piece.

The cabinet was designed and built at the Tischlermeisterschule in Berlin, Germany and showcases traditional woodworking techniques along with modern functionality. It is made from walnut, maple, and brass.