365 Create: day 7

For Day 7 I’m using a furniture repair I just got done with for a customer. Its an Ethan Allen table.

TABLE_small

Not so much creativity going on in this piece, more duplicating to match. Its not my favorite kinda shop time although every repair done I learn a new trick or two. (Side note: this table originally came to my shop eight months ago for a repair. Click here to see those repairs.)

table - chewed

The table owner’s dog ate one corner off.
Now the table was back due to the same dog chewing a different corner up.

The trick I learned on this project was because of the problem with the natural ambering (turning orangeish) that happens over time.

table - parts

Trying to instantly amber a fresh piece to match took some creative problem solving.

table - biscuit

To amber wood is to condition the wood after assembly before staining with red and yellow food coloring. Instantly the wood turns orange.

table - orange

Next apply the stain that best matches the pieces in question. Once the stain is applied the shocking orange is gone and the perfect amber shows up with the stain color blended in on top to match.

table - done

On these kinds of repairs, the staining and finishing is often harder than the woodwork aspect.

And that’s Tony’s tips!

365 Create: Day 1

Starting out a post-a-day project for 2013. My wife and I are both going to participate. I’m always looking for a reason to create.

This is a maple cabinet that I made for my living room. I drew the girl with the gas mask on the front and the planes on the inside. I made the copper handles for the drawers. The drawers I made are actually individual boxes that pull out and have lids. The dovetails are all hand cut and chiseled. It was a great project to hone in on my dovetailing. All in all, its about 16 inches tall and 9 3/4 inches across.

cabinet, 365, maple, handmade, craft, woodwork, girl, gas mask, planes, bombs, dove tails, copper, handles, shelf, drawer, custom, art

cabinet, 365, maple, handmade, craft, woodwork, girl, gas mask, planes, bombs, dove tails, copper, handles, shelf, drawer, custom, art

 

cabinet, 365, maple, handmade, craft, woodwork, girl, gas mask, planes, bombs, dove tails, copper, handles, shelf, drawer, custom, art

cabinet, 365, maple, handmade, craft, woodwork, girl, gas mask, planes, bombs, dove tails, copper, handles, shelf, drawer, custom, art

cabinet, 365, maple, handmade, craft, woodwork, girl, gas mask, planes, bombs, dove tails, copper, handles, shelf, drawer, custom, art

 

Please come back tomorrow to check for another post.

Playhouse for my boys

I built this playhouse in the backyard when we moved into this house. We’d made one in our previous house and when we moved our oldest son was sure to miss playing in it. I designed this with simplicity in mind, some place for them to have friends over, store toys, and use their imaginations in! Its a square “house” design with a wood porch for hanging out on. My oldest son enjoyed pitching in and helping me build it too. We’ve come to realize that maybe they’d like a balcony – they use the tree behind to climb up on the roof to enjoy the view!

kids, playhouse, imagination, cool, awesome, dad, cottage, handmade, design, wood

You can find this and many other unique items in my Misc Gallery!

If you’d like a playhouse built to your custom desires please send an email to me. You can visit my Contact Page to fill out the easy form!

Anything you see in my galleries is for sale. You can request a replica or we can work together to design a piece of furniture / art specifically for you!

Chop Block Island

I made this chop block / butcher’s block table for my wife to use as an island in our kitchen. Its custom made for her height. We keep a food grade mineral oil on the top to keep it moist and dark for years to come.

To see more of the tables I’ve created click this link: Table Gallery

Anything you see in my galleries is for sale. You can request a replica or we can work together to design a piece of furniture / art specifically for you!

Handmade Wooden Toolbox

I made this toolbox to hold some of my smaller supplies.

The doors on top are held together with a rotating latch. They swing open and each door houses a drawer or two. There is space behind them for more storage. The size is perfect for sanding sponges.

There are 2 long drawers. I made the handles out of walnut and made a slight indention for a more ergonomical grip in the center of each handle.

There are more photos and close up details in my Box-gallery. Click here to view them.