Wood 'n' Soul

Back in the saddle again!


I’ve got two projects I’m working on now. Both are in the drawing phase yet. Both are cabinets - very different in nature.

The first is an upscale set of cabinets that will go with an existing fireplace and mantel. Elegant simplicity is the order of the day. These are very elegant people with a design esthetic very similar to my own. It is really fun to work with them.



The other is a commercial project to duplicate or as close as I can, an existing set of cabinets - only make them larger to fit a specific space.

The style is very rustic almost primitive. There are punched tin panels that fit into the bottom doors. The whole thing is painted - black on the outside and an ecru for the back of the shelves. Sort of antiqued/primitive looking.

Another fun challenge!

And I still have the refinishing project to complete!! Maybe the weather will cooperate and I can get some serious work done and get these incredibly patient people their chair back!! I talked with the lady today - she is very knowledgeable and understands that the weather is playing havoc with the project. It is nice to work with such people!!

Et fini!!

It is finished! It has been a brute of a project - lots 'o' work - and the weather hasn't cooperated much. But it is finished - and if I say so myself, it is a thing of beauty.

I will deliver and install it tomorrow [rain willing].

I actually finished it Friday, but we couldn’t get together on the schedule [she works a lot!] so we decided on Monday morning. Which meant it was in the shop all weekend, which means I futzed with it off and on all weekend - a nip here a tuck there - just futzing with it. Another coat of wax, some more buffing, a little polishing by hand - it gleams - even in the moon light...

Some folks came over to ogle it a bit today and have some very nice things to say about it. I love making beautiful things for people - it is what I love to do. In this case, I really feel good about this piece.

As the man said, “It’ll do”.

I hope to have some more pics after I deliver it.

I'm sure my other clients will be happy for me to get on with their projects now. They've been very patient and understanding. I think I have the best clients in the biz! I have to get going on their projects now!

The pix say it all. I was making good progress tonight, the panels were fitting up very nicely. I used the Shaker rabbeting bit for the panels and they are quite beautiful. The panels on the side are matched, of course.

Things were going well, then, mostly because I was tired I think, I moved one of the sections, and it knocked over three of the panels for the other section - two of them broke when they hit the floor. Not where they were glued, but along other grain lines - not that it makes a lot of difference.

I glued the pieces back together, Humpty Dumpty style - we’ll see tomorrow around noon if they will work or not.

I haven’t been blogging because I’ve been working until late getting the back desk portion of the reception kiosk finished. It is taking a bit longer than I thought.

The weather is making it difficult. I cut pieces only to have them check or split or cup or -----. It is harder when one is in a hurry - wood doesn’t understand it only knows it is very humid.

There are 52 mortices and 52 tenons on the desk. I cut them with my router and it is very efficient. Then comes the fit up. It takes a long time. Wonder why the junk stuff doesn’t use mortise and tenon joints - they take time and lots of work -and a little know how to boot. But they look good today and will look good in say 25 years or 50 years or more. They are strong and will stay that way. Quality shows. It is the only way I know how to work. It somehow feeds that part of me that knows the good stuff and loves to make beautiful, quality pieces.

The bow front part of the reception desk/kiosk is finished. On to the back “desk portion”, which should go much faster - no curves!
It certainly took a couple of days longer than I thought. The base, for example, took over a day and I figured it would take about 1/2 day - live and learn. Plus the wet, wet weather has made finishing a career endeavor!!! It has taken about 3 times as long as normal. Not unusual, but annoying and frustrating nonetheless.
The kiosk is quite pretty to look at and great to touch. The lace wood and African mahogany complement each other nicely making for an elegant appearance.
My hardwood supplier had some particularly beautiful African mahogany and the base, for example, which almost not one will see, is beautifully figured! The desk tops will also have a goodly amount of figuring in the wood - perfect for stimulating the right brain!
Pay particular attention to the hand carved emblem - pretty cool and a nice finishing touch. I think few, if any, in the area will have such an elegant look!
Gotta get to work! The back section awaits - though a good bit has been rough cut and there are no curves!