When it's so bespoke you can't source one (or it'd be stupidly expensive).

There are occasions when things break or deteriorate, and you start to think, 'where on earth would I source that?'. Quirky details or finishings which you don't think about until they need replacing.

Sometimes a quick search on the internet means you can source what you want, or close to it, for a reasonable price. But there are times when this doesn't work.

Equally, commissioning a replacement can prove incredibly costly, as the design work and set-up times for big, commercial woodworkers adds time far outweighing the 'value' you might place on the item.

Just such an example arose recently, when I was asked to create a 'finial', to replace one which had rotted away. It had only been discovered as the timberwork of the house was being refurbished. Sure it could have been left off the refurb and ignored, but the owner was keen to see if he could source a new and similar finial, this time created in hardwood rather than the original soft pine, and therefore likely to last for many decades. He'd talked to a few big companies, but none could accommodate.

I was happy to source a piece of English Oak and turn the finial using the original as a 'template'. All in it took around an hour and a half. Finished with shellac ready for glossing or varnishing......as it looked so much better than the original. The beauty of turned wood.