Popular Post wouldwurker Posted February 24, 2019 Popular Post Report Share Posted February 24, 2019 Built this to spec from Christian Becksvoort's article in Fine Woodworking. Used some figured flame birch I got from Bell Forest a few years back. Funny, I've come a long way with hand tools since then and have learned appreciate the workability and subtleness of lumber vs. figure. The heavy figure and hardness of the birch was a nightmare. Planes were useless. All in all, came out nice. Cut the dovetails on the tablesaw with a square edged blade and cleaned up with a chisel. I don't have a special dovetail blade. Removing the waste on the pin board was more time consuming then I'd prefer. Also, you really need to pay attention. Every cut seems to be the opposite angle of what you expect and you can mess up quickly. I spent more time second and third checking than actually running the saw. Finish is Shellac, specifically 50/50 seal coat and DNA. Last coat went one with 25% mineral oil. Wiped off the residual oil after 24 hours and wet sanded with a Mr Clean magic eraser, mineral spirits and a few drop of dawn. I love matte shellac finishes. All in all very happy. Becksvoort said in the article it should last many generations...he clearly hasn't met my three boys. I give them 4 months. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 24, 2019 Report Share Posted February 24, 2019 Very nice! Are those dowels pinning the top to the stretcher, or are they hidden screws? I've seen that particular plan before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted February 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2019 5 minutes ago, wtnhighlander said: Are those dowels pinning the top to the stretcher, or are they hidden screws? I've seen that particular plan before. Thanks Hidden screws. The screws were key to pulling the top and sides together. Turned the plugs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted February 24, 2019 Report Share Posted February 24, 2019 I think this turned out beautiful good work sir. What is the purpose of the hole near the top? I love birch I've hod some yellow birch in the shop and it works wonderfully. I agree the figured stuff is a PITA but it can look stunning when finished. I also like the finish schedule that you used i may try that one day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wouldwurker Posted February 24, 2019 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2019 2 hours ago, Chestnut said: What is the purpose of the hole near the top? Thanks The hole is common in shaker furniture (from what I understand) for hanging on the wall. Really though, the hole is more ideal for picking up, moving, and supporting yourself as you step up/step down. It's actually quite awkward to really grab it any other way. I'm 5-8 and the hole is right where my hands fall by my side. You don't realize how convenient it is to not bend over to pick up a stool until you don't have to. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted February 24, 2019 Report Share Posted February 24, 2019 10 minutes ago, vinnyjojo said: Thanks The hole is common in shaker furniture (from what I understand) for hanging on the wall. Really though, the hole is more ideal for picking up, moving, and supporting yourself as you step up/step down. It's actually quite awkward to really grab it any other way. I'm 5-8 and the hole is right where my hands fall by my side. You don't realize how convenient it is to not bend over to pick up a stool until you don't have to. Those shakers seem to know what they are doing then. I never knew that about hanging stuff on the wall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted February 24, 2019 Report Share Posted February 24, 2019 Pretty nice Vin. I remember reading that article and thinking it looked like a fun project. 16 hours ago, vinnyjojo said: Turned the plugs. Did you use your treadle lathe? They hang anything you can sit on on the wall during the day. Their thinking was you are supposed to be working during the day not sitting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted February 24, 2019 Report Share Posted February 24, 2019 First pic says it all! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted February 25, 2019 Report Share Posted February 25, 2019 5 hours ago, Chestnut said: Those shakers seem to know what they are doing then. I never knew that about hanging stuff on the wall. St. Roy did several episodes on the Shakers. Cleanliness was a big part of their belief. The "Shaker peg" was used in large numbers, mounted in strips around the wall, similar to a chair rail molding, but about shoulder high. All the movable furniture, chairs, stepstools, etc... would be hung on a peg to make it easier to sweep the floor. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted February 25, 2019 Report Share Posted February 25, 2019 2 hours ago, pkinneb said: First pic says it all! +1 Really great job Vinn! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronn W Posted February 25, 2019 Report Share Posted February 25, 2019 That will get a lot of use for years to come. I like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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