The
Charles Family
A long and proud family tradition
By Chase Warner
n a small Caribbean island , a family-owned sawmilling shop is providing handcrafted wood furniture , woodworking repairs , and lumber sales to customers as far away as the United States . Founded by Gerald Charles after World War II , Charles Brothers Joiner Shop is nestled on the 13-square-mile island of Carriacou – one of three inhabited islands that make up the Grenadines located in the southern part of the Caribbean . Today , the family logging , milling , and furniture shop is operated by Gerald ’ s grandson Ray and great grandson Raynael who are carrying on the proud woodworking tradition shared by the Charles family for more than half a century .
Until recently , the Charles Brothers were forced to rely on standard sized lumber material and unfavorable logistical needs when crafting their wood products . What started out as a logging and woodworking operation , the sawmilling part of the business grew out of the realization that it was the logical next step for the shop considering their isolated location . Charles Brothers purchased a Wood-Mizer LT35 portable sawmill in order to grow the business , improve efficiency , and gain full creative control from raw material to finished piece .
Before owning a sawmill , the Charles family would find a log and have it shipped to the main island of Grenada by ferry in order for it to be milled and processed . The finished lumber would then have to be shipped back to them , which was a very expensive and time consuming chore . Another advantage is that they have total control of each cutting decision meaning that Ray and Raynael can see the log as they break it down and decide what dimensions would best fit their needs depending on the project at hand . Not only has the family saved time and money by operating their own sawmill , but
J & M
24 The Wood-Mizer Way Spring / Summer 2017
Logging sources their logs locally and produces up to 800 board feet of lumber