This gallery contains images of the build process of four table tops for SAW. SAW combines predominately metal base structure with wooden tops and drawers. SAW is also run out 3rd Ward‘s space, specifically the metal shop. This build called for a router jig to be made in order to create the perfect diameter cut for the circular table top. Video of that jig in action will be posted shortly.
Being able to have templates made already ensures that when it comes time to cut into your material, you don’t have to be wasteful. This was a particular point of interest for me dealing with 8/4 cherry. The back leg template enabled me to have proper grain layout throughout the piece and made it able to nest two legs very close together to conserve this expensive material. I was then able to band saw rough chunks out, run them over the jointer and thru the planer and then bandsaw close to be able to flush trim on the router table.
This album focuses on the construction of the front two legs of the rocking chair. As you can see there are many tools involved. My favorite part of this process was being able to break in my new tools I purchased from the Lie-Nielsen tool event that occurred at 3rd Ward. The spoke shave and router plane made it easy to create the tight joints at the leg to seat connection. The legs are not finished yet, they still need to be turned on the lathe for final shaping.
James Devlin recently finished wrapping his metal night stands in the twine you see below. My shelves are then placed in their appropriate spots and held by friction. You can contact me or him directly through his website, linked above, about having your own set or something similar made.
These nightstand shelves were commissioned by fellow 3rd Ward maker and metal worker James Devlin. They are walnut slabs, 3/4″ thick and notched in the corners to fit around the twine that the stands will be wrapped in. The gallery below follow the build of the shelves and how they fit on the unfinished stands. The last few pictures show the finish, a rich medium walnut danish oil. I will post completed pictures when James has finished the project.
I recently completed a very sentimental project for a client. These four, small companion boxes will act as urns. They are made from an old piece of black cherry I have had in my possession for nearly 5 years. They measure 6″ x 4″ x 3″ and are dovetailed together. The tops have been laser etched off site with Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon album cover art work and the name and dates of the deceased. They are finished with a natural danish oil, inside and out.
This client had the plaque built for a friend who was running for local government. He supplied the carved eagle. I designed the plaque itself, built and finished it. He then added the bronze plate based on my template.
This piece was commissioned by a client who was tearing down some trees in her yard. As she watched the tree come down and be cut she noticed interesting images in the rings. She gave me the seat portion and I made legs for it out of similar reclaimed lumber. The joints are a simple halflap with a large shoulder on the underside of the seat. The height is low because, as a new grandmother, she has many little ones who may need to sit in time out.
I met this client at 3rd Ward while teaching him in their Carcass Joinery class. He wanted to install professional letter boards at his bar on Spring Street. The larger one needed to have a glass door, lock and easy to use door stop. The bar is great and I suggest you check it out. Mother’s Ruin 18 Spring st, NY, NY.
These are pictures towards the end of the build process for my chest on stand piece. It was inspired by traditional high boy/armoire pieces. The sketching process started with a significantly bigger piece with doors and a lower drawer. This was one of the more interesting and fun builds I’ve done. It contains a multitude of unique iterations of traditional mortise and tenon joinery. Working out the drawers functionality was a great puzzle to solve and added nice detail to the piece. The oil finish really sets off the rich color of the walnut. The finished piece can be seen on the portfolio page.
