MarPalm3D™
Martins Palmeira · Apúlia

António Martins Palmeira · MarPalm3D™

Ship models, signs, illuminated advertising signs and pieces in wood and metal, handmade in Apúlia.

I build precision ship models — catraias, the traditional Póvoa fishing boat (barco poveiro), and historic ships — and I make custom pieces for homes, restaurants and shops: signs, illuminated advertising signs, tables, benches and lamps.

I’m from Apúlia. I worked in Germany for 25 years and came back home, where I now have my workshop. Visits by appointment only.

Request a quote Watch videos · YouTube @cedovem Instagram @marpalm3d +351 929 038 651
António Eduardo Martins Palmeira
01 Craft

What I make

In my workshop in Apúlia I make one-of-a-kind pieces to order. I design on the computer, cut with machines I built myself and finish everything by hand.

Ship models

Precision ship models: catraias, the traditional Póvoa fishing boat (barco poveiro), plank-on-frame hulls (the boat’s “skeleton”) and historic ships, such as the Nau Nossa Senhora dos Mártires (1606). Some of my work is on display at the Museu Marítimo de Esposende.

Signs and illuminated advertising signs

Wooden signs, illuminated advertising signs and illuminated letters for restaurants, shops and homes. For example, the signs for the Dona Quina restaurant and for Tosco, in Apúlia.

Tables, benches and furniture

Made-to-measure solid wood furniture. For example, the tables, the benches and the sign with the ham at the Badalhoca do Fredo tavern in Matosinhos.

Lamps

Made-to-measure lamps in wood, glass and iron.

Metalwork

Cutting, welding and assembly of iron parts and structures.

Machines and 3D printing

I use CNC milling machines (computer-guided machines that cut wood or metal) and 3D printers that I built in my workshop. With them I make custom parts, prototypes and repairs.

Resin miniatures

Miniatures and fine-detail parts 3D-printed in resin on my Anycubic Photon — figures, model-making accessories and parts made to order.

Repair of idle CNC machines

I’ll get your CNC machine running again.

Workshops

I run ship-model workshops for kids and grown-ups. For example, at the Quartel dos Bombeiros de Esposende (the fire station) in August 2018, sponsored by TCA.

02 Videos

Work

On my YouTube channel, @cedovem, I show how each piece comes to life, step by step.

Nau Nossa Senhora dos Mártires (1606)Building the model, inside and out
CatraiaA barco poveiro (Póvoa fishing boat) in miniature
Lancha poveira workshopReport by Rádio Onda Viva (around 2014)
Illuminated lettersLight-up letters made in the workshop
My 3D printerA printer I built myself
My CNC machinesThe milling machines I’ve built since 2010 (“Robusto” and others)
A motor made from an old hard drive2011 · an upcycling experiment
Resin miniaturesCatraias — miniature barcos poveiros (Póvoa fishing boats), 3D-printed

Report: Rádio Onda Viva · Full channel: youtube.com/@cedovem · Photos on Instagram: @marpalm3d

03 Photographs

Gallery

Fleet of miniature resin catraias on wet sand
A fleet of miniature catraias, printed in resin
Catraia model on the sand
Catraia
Model of a historic three-masted ship
Historic ship
Lamp in wood, glass and iron
Lamp
Illuminated sign for the Dona Quina restaurant
Dona Quina sign
Plank-on-frame hull under construction
Plank-on-frame hull
Catraia model painted blue and red
Catraia
Round wooden table
Round table
Ship model hull under construction
Catraia model on rocks
Catraia
Wood and resin tabletop
Wood and resin table
Solid wood tables and benches
Badalhoca do Fredo
Model hull in the workshop

See all work →

04 Career

My story

  • My own workshop in Apúlia: ship models and custom work.
  • Team leader on steel construction sites in Portugal (APTS, Sever do Vouga): Ponta Delgada airport, Ponte de Sor and the Fundação Champalimaud.
  • Metalworker on construction sites (Leichlingen and Solingen) for 25 years. In 2018–19 I took a year off to focus on woodworking.
  • I finished my first CNC machine, built by me, and started my YouTube channel.
  • Boat engine mechanic (Suzuki).
  • Fabric cutting operator (IMPETUS, Barqueiros).
  • Fisherman in Apúlia. Military service in Braga (1988).
  • Self-taught, since 1989.

Training: courses in electronics, CNC and computer-aided design. I’m currently finishing secondary school (12th grade) through adult education.

05 Talk to me

Contact

Have an idea for a sign, an illuminated advertising sign, a piece of furniture, a lamp or a ship model? Get in touch and I’ll tell you what’s possible.

The workshop is in Apúlia. Visits by appointment only.

Request a quote