More pics to come.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
April commission, in oak no less!
I was hired to make a "five and a half board bench for a friend. She wanted it in oak which I haven't much worked in before.
I laid my pattern pieces out on a couple of very nice, clear, and uniform red oak planks. The milling and sawing was a piece of cake with no surprises.
All the pieces fit together like a dream.
Look who got to use his new mortising machine in the process!
As always, the screw and glue assembly is concealed by pegs.
Clear Danish Oil really makes the grain come to life.
The client, being a Civil War enthusiast, specified trefoil relief cuts on the legs...
the insignia of the Second Corps.
This was an immensely satisfying project for both the woodwright as well as the customer. It's very gratifying to make something that should last for generations and be valued by those who possess it.
What a delightful experience!
If you are ever in the area, I'd be happy to take your order.
See you soon with more from the shop.
Mannie
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Eyes on the prize
Have I mentioned that this is my birthday month? I do like to get myself gifts.
This year I hope to upgrade my underpowered Craftsman bandsaw for this 1hp beauty from Grizzly Industries. Iv'e set aside a fund from my paying shop project proceeds to bankroll it. Also I've tied my goal of dropping 15 pounds into the mix as as a motivation/reward sort of deal. Very win/win don'tcha' know.
Mannie
Friday, March 25, 2011
Burnside Bridge Bench
Evocative Burnside Bridge spans Antietam Creek, site of the September 1862 Battle of Antietam.
Taking pen, and colored pencil in hand, I've rendered this historic bridge on one of my period five-board benches, a commemorative piece for the upcoming 150th anniversary of the battle.
(click on image to enlarge)
As with all of my pieces, each drawing is an original work, rendered in ink and colored pencil...
signed and dated.
My benches are based upon the classic five-board design so much a fixture in Civil War encampments. The basic design is hard to improve upon, nonetheless mine are much more durable as I use steel screws to assemble them. The screw-heads are countersunk and hidden with hardwood pegs that I glue and drive in with a wooden mallet.
A light stain brings out the grain, and simple details like circular or valentine heart relief cuts complete the design. Simpler is better.
Each bench gets three coats of durable spar varnish to keep it looking beautiful in your garden...
or your library.
Get your sesquicentennial on!
Mannie
Thursday, March 3, 2011
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