About Us

MEET MIKE FANSLAU

The Portable Woodworker also known as, “The Fonz.”

Where I grew up my dad always invented solutions using his woodworking skills. My first project was a Boy Scouts Pinewood Derby Car. I still have that car!! 1st place in racing, & 1st place for design. 🙂

I spent a lot of time hanging out with my uncle who had his own circular sawmill that was powered by big long belts connected to his tractor. His pride and joy was his 4 sided planer. I picked up a lot of the inventiveness and tinkering from my father, and my uncle. I’ve had a wood shop my whole life, and in 2018, I purchased a Timberking Portable Sawmill.

I already had plenty of forested land, along with trailers and loaders. In 2019, I tripled the size of my wood shop. This allowed me the capacity to take on larger projects and to produce more at the mill.

Today, I have several kilns, and an onsite sawmill building, which allows me to comfortably mill year-round. In the occasion that I get logs that exceed my 36″ cutting capacity, I have recently partnered with other mills that can do those larger logs under my direction.

Testimonials / Gallery

Mike is incredibly creative when working with various types of wood. He can take a slab of wood with knots and gaps that others might see as “imperfections” and make... Expand Full Review

Andre Marschall
May 9, 2021

Mike provided exactly what I needed for a DIY project. He offered and provided "a la carte" services, which was perfect for my project. It was fun to... Expand Full Review

Ben Bohnsack
April 18, 2022

I have purchased numerous forest products from Mike Fanslau at Renaissance Design. He has a wealth of knowledge that is extremely helpful with my wood projects. He’s extremely helpful, ... Expand Full Review

dennis miller
May 9, 2021

Mike was amazing in helping me pick out some beautiful red cedar for my new project.....
He also offered me help/mentoring for such a new concept for me! He helped... Expand Full Review

Wayne Weber
May 9, 2021

Mike is a very knowledgeable woodworker. He has helped me a lot with a project I am working on, both hands on help and has also educated me on a... Expand Full Review

Tom Eizenhoefer
April 9, 2022

Mike Fanslau is great! He knows and understands his materials. Very pleasant to work with and a storehouse of knowledge. Highly recommend.

Linda Schmidt
May 9, 2021

MEET LOLLYPOP

An adorable little reminder you are here.

If you’re asking… Why is that dog greeting me at the header of this page?

Perhaps, I should rephrase that disposition.

If you’re not asking… Then you’ve already been to Renaissance Design Group on Hemlock, and been lovingly introduced to my gatekeeper. 71 pound “Lollypop” is my 71-pound companion! She is a Standard Poodle that greets everyone as they arrive, even the FedEx drivers. Yes, there are chickens here to greet you too!!

So, if you’ve got a dog along for the ride… it may be best to keep them in your car… We’ve found out that while Lollypop is trained to leave the chickens alone, most other dogs aren’t so sweet to my white-feathered friends!

"The Portable Woodworker"

(320) 492-1637

Mike@PortableWoodworker.com

9595 Hemlock Road
Saint Cloud, MN 56301