KINGWOOD — Keith Uphold turned his father’s hobby into a full-time business.
Uphold’s business, Legacy Woodworking and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) is a custom woodworking shop.
Before opening his shop last May, Uphold said he worked for Matthews International for 23 years. He said when Matthews closed, he decided to open a woodworking shop.
“I’ve always tinkered around with woodworking,” Uphold said. “It was my dad’s hobby, and I like to design and create.”
His wife, Hope, also helps with the business. She takes care of customer service and getting the word out on social media. Many of the items Uphold has created can be seen on their Facebook page — under Legacy Woodworking.
Making custom items requires both programming and design. Uphold programs the design into his laptop and sends it to the CNC. Once it receives the design program, the CNC interprets it as instructions and cuts the item and details it.
“While the machine is cutting I finish up a sign or work on another project,” he said.
Uphold said one of his projects is a carryover from his former job.
“We make the medallions for the Buckwheat Festival,” he said. “We made them at the bronze plant. When it closed, I decided to continue making them in wood and donating them to the festival.”
Medallions are not the only items Uphold makes. He makes custom furniture, 2D and 3D signs, plaques, ornaments and many other specialty items and furniture.
“People call me up with a project and we work it out,” Uphold said. “West Virginia products is one of the most popular.”
He said some of the projects he works on are unique.
“I made a set of Barbie bunk beds for a customer in Germany. He wanted them customized with the little girl’s name on them,” Uphold said.
He said he and his wife plan to open a store next spring that will carry a variety of items he creates in the shop.
For more information about Legacy Woodworking & CNC email Keith@legacy.wwcnc.com or go to www.legacywwcnc.com or phone 304-698-5314.
TWEET@ DominionPostWV
