During Mini-Gusto Week, Tristan took his passion for woodworking to the next level through an internship at Cruzan Knotworks, a high-end furniture woodshop. With seven years of experience already crafting cutting boards, tables, and centerpieces, this opportunity allowed him to expand his skills in a professional setting and work alongside experts in the field.
From the moment he stepped into the shop, Tristan was immersed in a hands-on environment filled with advanced tools and machinery. He gained experience using industrial equipment—including a massive CNC machine used for cabinetry—while contributing meaningfully to real projects. Throughout the week, Tristan worked on a variety of tasks, from designing and constructing sawhorses to building mahogany window frames, utilizing tools such as planers, jointers, table saws, and routers.
While Tristan came in with a strong foundation, what made this experience truly exceptional was the level of independence and trust he was given. Early in the week, the shop’s owner challenged him to design a vector file for folding sawhorses that could be produced on the CNC machine. Using Inkscape, Tristan carefully developed a design that met professional specifications—lightweight, functional, and efficient.
By the end of the week, Tristan had the opportunity to bring his design to life. After learning more about CNC operation and assisting with the machining process, he successfully produced a prototype and then two final sawhorses using the shop’s ShopSabre IS 408 CNC machine. After completing detailed finishing work—including routing, sanding, attaching hinges, and applying precise measurements—his project was complete.
This experience was more than just technical training. Tristan gained valuable insight into professional workflow, problem-solving, and collaboration in a real-world business environment. His initiative, skill, and ability to take on a complex project from concept to completion made this an outstanding Mini-Gusto experience.
We are incredibly proud of Tristan for his dedication, craftsmanship, and willingness to challenge himself. His work is a true example of learning in action—and a glimpse into an exciting future ahead.
