Learning from my mistakes

In the Fall of 2005 I built an art easel for my step-daughter, the process is featured in in the slide show on the side of the blog. The table of the easel split, due to an engineering error; I did not allow for proper expansion and contraction of the table. To remedy this problem, I have removed the table and will widen the holes that the screw passed through so that they become shaped like a slot. the split will be filled with clear epoxy and planed flat once again. Then when re-assembled the table will be able to flex, preventing a further splitting.

Odds and Ends

Board cut offs from past projects and odd shaped pieces from re-milling beams provides an opportunity to create small unique projects that save scrap materials from the bonfire.

The cutting board pictured is glued up scraps of Walnut and Cherry banded with maple. Once flattened the cutting board will be finished with a food safe butcher block oil.

The mallets are constructed of beech remnants from re-milling century barn beams. Two of the mallets are treated with tung oil and the other two are finished with an Elmer's wood stabilizer.

The mashers are glued up ash and walnut scraps with a oak handles. The mallets and mashers are built using common joinery techniques, a through mortise with wedges.

Chest

The chest was built in conjunction with Master Cabinet maker Loren Klimko, it was a nice return to the basics as we walked through the design and creation of this prototype. This chest was designed for production and sized to maximize the yield in materials. The materials are paint grade and to be painted by the end user.

The design can be easily modified in material and finish to become a blanket chest, cedar chest, or toy chest.

The chest is a constructed of poplar rails and stiles with Architectural grade MDF raised panels, top, and bottom. It measures 18" x 18" x 36"