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Antiques Furniture. CABINETMAKING.
July 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment
CABINETMAKING
BECAUSE our country’s pioneers became of necessity competent handicraftsmen imposes no obligation upon the present generation of steam-heat and pushbutton settlers to emulate them with sweat and calluses how to make a refectory table . Financial considerations permitting, we are able to acquire almost any type of furniture our hearts desire, from well-constructed replicas of authentic antiques to comfortable creations of modern design antique napoleon plaster coin reliefs . If unable to satisfy completely all his furniture wants at one time, the average householder budgets his purchases and buys carefully, thereby acquiring an increased pride of ownership derived from a well-considered comparison of values style a bambocci and pieces of furniture .
It is doubtful, however, whether this ultimate pride of possession ever approximates the deep satisfaction of the craftsman who successfully constructs a comfortable and useful piece of furniture that in appearance and workmanship closely resembles the product of experienced cabinetmakers dolphin sideboard . To achieve such a result through one’s own planning and with one’s own hands is a tangible monument to the self-reliance and the inherent ability of an amateur to invade successfully the guild of master craftsmen american antique tilt top tea table . This guild is not only an ancient but also a most honorable one, whose members were, and still are, truly artists in wood, although the pride of craftsmanship that formerly prompted so many of them to sign their products has necessarily disappeared as the result of our modern system of specialization and mass production, under which no one individual can be entirely responsible for the finished product 19 th century brass candle snuffer .
It is not the intention here to decry the results of mass production, nor to attempt all evaluation of the impact on our national economy of the millions of man-hours that increased recreational time may channelize into home products from various hobby crafts french commodes . The goal is much more tangible—the erection of simple guideposts welcoming the reader to the Ancient Order of Handicrafters victorian anglo-indian wood tea cabinet . In that spirit this book is aimed at those individuals in whom there exists some vestige of the soul-satisfying urge to create something useful during their spare time hungarian antique furniture . By-products such as patience, concentration, observation, and foresight are not to be sneered at, but there is no desire to proselyte in the interests of character building 3r mental discipline cube parquetry louis xv history . That would be trading a joyous hobby for the flagellant’s whip antique fluted gateleg table legs .
The earlier craftsmen would have scorned such hardware aids as metal angle irons, corner plates, folding lid stays, or manufactured drawer pulls, relying instead upon the strength and decorativeness of accurate jointing alone gateleg table . In this and other chapters art deco furniture american museums . however, where such devices are considered logically economic and relatively invisible, they are included in various projects, such as kitchen tables or outdoor furniture staffordshire underglaze english ironstone tableware . It is felt that these modern aids to construction represent a desirable saving in time and effort, where the intricacy an(> precision of craftsman-like joinery would exert relatively little influence oil the final decorativeness of the product oval gate leg drop leaf antique tables .
It is well to realize that cabinetmaking or furniture construction can be planned to include designs and methods that are so elementary that even the beginner can produce a utilitarian object of satisfying appearance ornate brass mantle clock made in italy . Examples of such items are included in various succeeding chapters as “kindergarten” projects—bait, if you will, for the timorous, in the belief that there is nothing like the completion of a successful venture to encourage more ambitious design and craftsmanship antique chamber pots .
With an increased understanding of the properties of various woods and materials comes a wider feeling for their possibilities; later the constructive imagination of the home mechanic will be limited only by his own confidence dining furniture design in 1900 . From simple beginnings more ambitious enterprises will inevitably be undertaken, each requiring close attention to details antique mahogany drum tables library tables writing tables . Cabinetwork demands careful concentration from its devotees, but no more so than any other successful handiwork, from sewing to barn raising opalescence glass by marc sabino . In constructing a piece of furniture, the amateur craftsman had opportunities for exercising not only a nice precision and patience, but also foresight and systematic planning inlaid marble table lapis lazuli antique .
If planning is a prerequisite to successful performance in general, then its need will be particularly apparent in cabinet or furniture construction porcelain manganese production wincanton . No matter how crude the result, it will pay the amateur craftsman to sketch his plans before proceeding to dissect his material with saw, auger, or chisel example of vargueno . This is especially true in furniture design, because of the hidden jointing that must be employed at certain points 17th century dining tables . If the beginner will upend and closely study an available piece of furniture of good workmanship, he is sure to discover methods of construction that will be of value during the preliminary planning phase small side table tripod legs .
The series of undertakings progressively suggested, is intended as an example of what can be constructed with hand tools, and is proposed as a guide for independent planning and development antique leather top side tables with two drawers . Various methods of jointing and cabinetwork are illustrated, often in the construction of similar details, proving that, although “common practice” may prevail in different localities for varying periods, in the final analysis each craftsman will inevitably work out individual details to suit his own feeling and technique comtoise clocks longcase . The ultimate criteria of tile value of a piece of furniture must include affirmative answers to the questions: (i) Will it serve its intended purpose or purposes? (2) Does it provide eye appeal?
Design s-curve leg antique table . Obviously design in furniture cannot be considered as a mere abstraction alfred porteneuve . Artists often create designs that are of great beauty and high artistic merit; if they are not adaptable to utility, however, the basic purpose of the object is lost, or subordinated french commode . Hence the artist-craftsman is his own best designer, for he will scrutinize and criticize his product from the essential viewpoint of service what do you do with an antique art nouveau occasional table? . Not only will he choose a bold or a delicate design according to the characteristics of the material employed, but also he will insure that a chair is comfortable or a table is sturdy and of the proper height tripod antique folding pie crust table . The same will be true of his selection of contours or embellishments, for as a craftsman he is always aware of the basic requirement of purpose 19th century mechanical desks .
Proportion english art deco club chairs . Good design in furniture is the product of several factors, not the least of which is the observance of proper proportion hepplewhite revival fold over dining table . Good proportion results from a harmonious relationship between the various parts, a balancing of masses antique rectangle drop leaf table cabinet . Here again the utility or the purpose for which the object is intended will determine the direction of the primary mass; in a bookcase the largest dimension will be in a vertical plane, whereas in a desk the primary mass will be horizontal 1910 rosewood china cabinet uk . This dominant mass may be subdivided vertically, horizontally, or in both directions; into two, three, or more masses, which must be proportionally located 18th century antique american gateleg . The following suggested ratios will, in general, satisfy the eyes of the beholder, thus insuring a sense of good proportion:
i staffordshire slipware strapwork . Of two horizonal divisions one section should be larger than the other leaves for old oak table? . Equal horizontal divisions tend to become monotonous patek philippe, 1930s, rectangular, hinged back .
2 george bullock drawing . For the same reason, the central of three horizontal sections should predominate empire pier table .
3 arzberg jean luce . Four or more horizontal sections should gradually diminish in size, with the largest one at the bottom 19th century dressers .
4 17th century boston silversmiths . Two vertical sections should be equal long-narrow gateleg tables . The eyes would be dissatisfied with an unequal lateral ratio spergne antique .
S antique mahogany drum tables library tables writing tables value popular . Of three vertical divisions, predominance should be given the center section rockingham porcelain cottages? .
6 chippendale reading table fire screen . With four vertical divisions, three choices are possible: all four sections can be constructed of equal size: the two central sections can be of equal size but larger than the two outer, equal sections; or the reverse consolidated lamp & glass company of coraopolis, pennsylvania in 1926 .
The esthetic appreciation of proper proportion is customarily attributed to the possession of a mythical quality known as “good taste antique chinese clay and pewter tea ceremony sets .” By many, this discriminating feeling is believed to be inherent, conferred by some good fairy at birth aristide colotte . The truth of the matter is that regardless of a person’s innate artistic bent or lack of it, the decision as to good taste will be automatically taken care of by the eyes,
they have been afforded proper yardsticks for comparison finmar alvar aalto stool . Our ever-restless eyes automatically travel toward and focus upon successive centers of interest, such as the dominating masses or divisions described above robert adams breakfront bookcase . Our eyes, in their automatic search for variety and interest, become dissatisfied with the monotony of equal divisions and masses 19th century lion claw pedestal table . For one who has been otherwise preoccupied, it may be necessary to arrange a brief training period for the eyes, by affording them sufficient opportunities to observe and study examples of swell-proportioned filriliture of recognized workmanship 19th century regency furniture .
Outline graduated drawers formula . In considering the shape or outline of furniture, utility again exerts a deciding influence small-footed bowls raozhou . The formation of the basic structure is determined by t)e purpose the piece is to serve; this basic shape call be modified to a graceful outline only to all extent that will not impair the fundamental requirement of utility antique drop front desks . The same is true of the shaping of divisions and of decoration gaudi furniture . A graceful outline is insured by unity of design, the achievement of a restrained dignity through t e blending of simplicity, proportion, and successful eye guidance claw foot dresser .
The eye will travel at an accelerate pace along smooth lines and curves, b it becomes confused by harsh collisions giltwood . Although rectangles may be required in t e basic structural design, corners can be rounded, and sharp angles opened to sped up the eye’s indecision at abrupt changes in direction spiral furniture legs . Nature offers colintl• early 19th century chest wood .s examples of gracefulness in the outlines of curving branches and flower sten s led table clocks . For this reason elliptical curves so proportioned that they lead the eyes effortless y to a central, dominating feature will give to the entire composition a harnlollio is theme salon chair fabrics geometric shapes .
For the amateur without access to power tools, the production of curves is a somewhat disheartening prospect library chair englisg antique . Until the confidence of successful achieveme t is his, he will do well to translate his curves and ellipses into series of lines ‘r steps for the eyes to follow raoul lachenal pottery . If these steps are proportional, the eyes will folio v a pleasing series of points in ascending and descending proportion french bronze porcelain and silver inlaid clocks . So, too, hex:
gonal or octagonal outlines can be substituted for the continuity of a circle, a d the chamfering of sharp corners can be relied upon to replace a round leg Ir column antique corner cabinets baltimore .
To sum tip: to insure a harmonious whole avoid monotony, provide the ey•s with smooth lines for movement, and create a center of interest curved padded chair walnut .
Material art deco shops in paris france . Just as the kind of material may control the choice of the over- victorian balloon back arm chairs mahogany cabriole legs .11 type of design, so the texture, grain, and figure of the wood will exert a stro g influence oil the way it is to be worked or the place it is to occupy in the enseniblThis principle may be observed in the doors of well-designed furniture, which have stiles and rails of straight-grained stock, but frequently use panels of way
grained woods stickle bros co furniture . Although oak has been one of the most popular choices for ti e fabrication of sturdy English and Early American furniture, it will be noted in a later table that its basic hardness, plus its coarser texture, limits its use to the mo-e rudimentary designs that include only elementary embellishments, such as chamfe - ing and gouge cutting secretaire art deco . Because of this essential hardness and obvious durabilit
designs for oak furniture very properly feature a sort of masculine ruggednes antique lady inlaid tray ., resulting in pleasing simplicity antique small tables sutherland . On the other hand, the finer grain of mahoga and the silky texture of walnut are readily adaptable to various forms of desig from the earliest antique to the latest modern late 1800’s dining table european .
FURNITURE WOODS
Many data are now available for the study of our native woods, thanks to the United States Department of Agriculture and its Forest Products Laboratory a french renaissance carved walnut bed second half 16th century . For everyday information and advice, however, the home craftsman will find it profitable in more ways than one to cultivate an acquaintance with the local lumber dealer and, if possible, to use the local lumber yard as his laboratory small shell silver antique dish loop handle . Thus he not only will learn what stocks of material are on hand or readily available, but also he may gain access to dark corners where odd pieces, or “shorts,” have been forgotten, to be disposed of at reduced prices carved ball trestle table .
Furniture that is to be stained and polished or finished in natural tones will in all probability be constructed from one of the hardwoods; painted or lacquered furniture can be assembled from softwood table octagon marquetry drawer . The term “hardwood” is not used to describe the physical hardness of the wood; it refers to the botanical group of broadleaved or deciduous trees, while softwood comprises the nondeciduous conifers, with their needlelike leaves chinese brass plate history antique . ‘XIany hardwoods are softer than the average softwood, and vice versa imperial,gate leg table . In general, it may be considered that the harder the wood, the heavier and stronger it will be louis sue .
Another general classification used that is of importance to furniture- and cabinetmakers is that of the grain in wood, which will determine the most suitable method or type of finish to be applied regency single cumberland dining table . Technically, the grain of the wood is determined by the direction, size, arrangement, or quality of the fibers (cells) of wood structure antique silver fish knives and forks . Close-grained wood has narrow and somewhat inconspicuous rings, the reverse being true in coarse-grained woods antique imperial mahogany dining table . Painters and finishers, however, are more concerned with the texture caused by the tubelike vessels whose openings on the surface of a cut piece of wood are referred to as “pores francois linke black lacquered napoleon lll .” Woods with large pores, such as oak, ash, chestnut, and walnut, are known as “open-grained” woods antcollectors.com/ .
Under the soft, moist inner bark of a log is the microscopic Cambian layer, which forms wood and bark cells antique candelabra markings . Next comes the light-colored series of active spring and summer woods called the “sapwood,” because it carries the sap from the roots to the leaves george 1 mahogany stool . The heartwood, extending inward to the soft pith at vie structural center of the log, consists of inactive tissue formed by a gradual change in the sapwood antique gentleman’s cabinet mirror . Medullary rays connect the various layers for the Id transference of food 1920’s walnut buffet, four drawers .
Fic macintosh jugendstil . antique deco furniture, carved and inlaid . 1 ltd edition catteau .2 negretti & zambra barometer . Lurnbur shrinkage dining table maple .
Although inactive, it is the heartwood that serves to give strength to the tr,e trunk chinese rice grain porcelain . The living sapwood, however, is a mature wood which, when dry, exhibi s no consistent difference in weight or strength from the heartwood, except in a fe species diamond point engraving . Heartwood is usually darker in color except in basswood, cottonwoo and much of the yard lumber intended for lumber shown in Figure 1 chenghua foot rims .4 B revolving chipendale bookcase . In addition it wears more evenlv, is less permeable to liquids, and does not surface-check or split as badly as the flat-sawed wood meubles decoration antique europe . Quarter-sawed lumber is also known as “edge-grain” or “comb-grain”; flat-sawed lumber is called “plain-saved,” “slash-cut,” or “bastard-sawn 18th century brittany cupboards .”
Wood for furniture must be thoroughly seasoned before use, for wood contains hundreds of tiny cells that shrink as the moisture leaves their walls, thus causing a change in the over-all size of the piece blue glass antique tables . Therefore, improperly seasoned lumber used in furniture construction will cause warping, shrinking, or checking in the various parts of the finished article cabriole leg french dining chair . Old-time cabinetmakers would not lay their hands to a piece of wood that had not been seasoned in some dry loft for a year or more dutch 17th century bombe commode .
Air seasoning reduces the moisture content of lumber between 12 and 15 per cent, which is not sufficiently low for furniture construction pearlware . Modern meissen snuffer ., controlled kiln drying will dry the stock to the approximate moisture content that furniture will obtain in service-5 to 8 per cent antique table top wooden book stand . Since any piece of wood will give off or take on sufficient moisture from the surrounding air so that the moisture in the wood and the moisture in the air are in balance, it is obvious that kiln-dried lumber must be stored in a dry, warm place while it is awaiting construction antique.italian porcelain.. .
When permitted freedom of choice, the cabinetmaker will select a wood possessing good working qualities, which he knows will finish nicely fashion inspired by 16th century . Therefore, the following table of characteristics or working properties should be used in conjunction with the table for finishing to be found in Chapter 5 rosewood antiquite - decoration . Certain softwoods have been included in both tables for paint or lacquer finishing french makers of consoles gibier style 18th century .
All lumber shrinks as it dries du ing seasoning antique silver soup tureens . This shrinkage caus; s the distortion commonly referred to as “warp,” four general types f which are shown in Figure 1 antique italian sideboard .2 fauteuil club . 0 determine the approximate amou t and direction of twist or wind alo
the edge of a piece of lumber, s( called “winding strips” can be en ployed, as shown in Figure i 1690 farmer wardrobe .1 These small straightedges are place parallel to each other so th t by 0
sighting along their top edg slightest twist in the surface will be revealed meuble fauteuil .
This lack of stability is more noticeable in flat-sawed lumber what is a flat silverware with a right side curve .
WOODWORKING OPERATIONS
No matter what kind of wood has been selected, the amateur woodworker mus apply a knowledge of and a degree of proficiency in certain basic carpentry opera tions in order to convert the raw material into his dream project mythical celluloid belt buckle . None of thes operations is too difficult for the average person t master, and each is usually a prerequisite to anothe in achieving the desired result antique porcelain and china clocks .
Marking french silver candle holder . Accurate marking is a basic requiremen for good cabinet work antique drop leaf gateleg table . A pencil held along the edg of a try square will satisfy the necessities of ordinar carpentry, but for laying out joints in furniture mak ing, a marking gauge with a sharp spur or scribin point will afford more accurate results antique gateleg table st louis . After th proper width is set off on the measuring shaft, th block is clamped tight and held squarely against th guiding edge, with the scriber slanted as shown i Figure r urns cuttelery boxes .5 french 17th century cabinent makers . To prevent the point from digging in an
digging
following the grain, only a light pressure should b employed, the scribing operation being repeated if the first line is too delicate lorentz wilhelm lundelius . For fine, small work marked or squared to good advantage edgar brandt desin wrought iron table . To accomplish this accurately, the top and bottom are marked with the aid of a try square, before the sides are joined berkey & gay antique chest of drawers lion design . A sharp point will insure accurate marking; for delicate work some mechanics substitute a phonograph needle table octagon inlaid drawer european austrian .
Sawing yellow imperial chinese porcelian . In sawing along marked lines it is necessary to remember that tile saw cut, or kerf, has a width of its own, approximately of an inch the most expensive silver tray . Therefore, sawing the kerf on the wrong side of the scribed line will result in a change of the dimensions in the completed work myott son & co blue hanley est: 1880 . Sometimes the kerf will be on the outside of the line, as in the case of a tenon; with a mortise, the saw cut must be placed on the inside of the scoring swing leg antique dining tables . If too much wood remains after sawing, it can be planed or pared off; too >it tle is hard to replace 19th century french shaving basin . The rule is, then, always saw on the waste side of a line victorian candlesticks .
As for the operation of sawing itself, some mechanics prefer to start the kerf with a knife cut to insure a smooth entrance dutch east india company pottery . Although sawing at a 45° angle is considered easiest, shallow, horizontal sawing must be resorted to when tenons, mortises, dovetails, and other joints are to be cut at right angles to another kerf antique caquetoire chair . The line of vision should be directly above the saw cut at all times, with only the top edge of the saw blade visible antique captains chest with desk .
Sawing miters is simplified by the use of commercial metal miter boxes, which can be set at any desired angle furniture in neo classical style,east india company, india . Everyone is familiar with the box-type miter boxes assembled by home mechanics from scrap hardwood lumber how to antique paint a fluted column . In making such a box care should be exercised not only that the front and back are square with the base, but also that their tops are level, so that when the steel framing square is laid on their edges it too will be level yabu fruit . For 45° kerfs equivalent inch marks on both legs of the square are lined up on the same side of each edge, as in Figure 1 john bell, porcelain, value .6 white pedestal desk with top . For accommodating wider pieces, some mechanics prefer the bench miter can be laid out with the try square arabesque vertical plate racks . A line is first drawn along the edge of the square across the width of the board console table telescopic . From the intersection of this line with the board’s edge the width of the board is laid off along the edge, and a line drawn across the board parallel to the first line 17th century imported oriental cabinet . A diagonal between the proper corners of this perfect square will accurately place the miter 18th century knifebox .
Saw Kerf Bends 19th century desk cabinet . To insure uniform bends in wood without steaming, a ser define arts and trace its origin .es of saw kerfs on the inside of the bend must be equally spaced so that they will all be closed at the top when the desired curve is achieved georgian cellaret lead lined . In -%t-in silver tray on stand . stock an initial kerf % in bernini . deep is cut and from it a distance is marked off equal to the radius of the required bend one drawer antique writing bureau on pillar legs . With the far end of the lumber clamped to the bench top as shown in Figure 1 king george 1v tankard dated 1826 .9, the opposite end is bent upward until the saw kerf closes escritoire chest . The height measured between the lower edge of the at the radius mark will be the amount each kerf lie sawed to an equal depth antique open side cabinets .
Planing different types of roman furniture . Many pieces of wood, after they
board and the top of the bench is to be spaced vintage buttterfly dropleaf tables . All kerfs sboAd
are sawed to proper lengths or ripped to the required width, need only be planed smooth to be ready for fastening in their proper places drop leaf gateleg table with 4 drawers . Although it is a basically simple operation, planing, too, has a technique of its own antique wine cooler and stand . While it is true that the angle of the chisel or cutter is a deciding factor in the plane’s manner of performance, various planes are constructed for various operations art deco antique office side chairs . Wherever possible, all planing is done in the direction of the grain; it may be necessary to change direction, however, in the case of irregularly grained woods refectory table bulbous .
The jack plane is used for the first rough surfacing, followed by the shorter smoothing plane, whose cutter has been set to a minimum working edge imperial+gateleg+table . If sufficient stock is to be planed off to warrant marking with the gage along both sides, the progress of the work can be accurately noted windows 1930 .
In spite of this precaution there is always the probability that the planed edge will not form a true right angle with the lower surface edgar brandt collectors . For narrow edges, the use of the winding strips, described for the detection of warpage in a preceding section of this chapter, will prove of value pemmbroke tables* . During or after planing, a straightedge laid along the newly planed surface will reveal any existing valleys when viewed against the light lustreware blue with orange flower .
The difficulty of planing end grain with the block plane is greater in the hard-
y planing
woods than in the softwoods, for, there is always the strong likelihood of splitting off the end fibers antique new england drop front desk . ‘>’his splitting can be prevented by clamping a piece of waste tightly against and flush with the far end, and planing across its surface with each stroke square drop leaf tea table with gated legs . Wide end grains call be planed inward from both sides octagon mahogany antique table value .
The exactness required in cabinet work has resulted in the manufacture of a jig known as a “’shooting board,” Figure I antiques .1 o kakiemon porcelain marks . Such a device can be made by the home mechanic out of scraps of hardwood, and will more than repay its owner for the time-saving precision it makes possible antique sideboard foliate parquetry . If thin hardwood material is available, the well for the removable triangle can be built up, instead of laboriously gouged out marius sabino leaping gazelle . Care must be taken that the stepped front edge is true, and that the triangular block is an accurate right angle, so that mitered edges can be planed with exactitude mid 1800 majolica umbrella stands .
The operations performed by a variety of separate planes constructed for rabbeting, tonguing, grooving, plowing, dadoing, beading, and molding are now combined in one plane, appropriately known as a “combination plane elisa baciocchi .” If within the home craftsman’s means, this tool s well worth buying; it is accompanied
buying;
complete instructions for its adjustmen As shown in Figure i thonet brothers furniture vienna .ii, it is equipp•d with a removable fence and a variety if cutters or chisels, making it in effect a hand-operated power tool of amazi w’ versatility french mahogany table in directoire taste of curule form .
Experience and practice w 11 widen the scope of its possibilities 1950’s staffordshire porcelain religious figural .
“Chamfering” is the term used for t ‘I e operation of leveling off the corners of two faces at right angles to each other antique fluted leg desk . It
can be accurately accomplished with a
chamfering plane like the one shown ;n Figure 1 17th c. antique moroccan doors .12, which has an adjustaele blade that can be lowered as the we, k
progresses meissen soft paste . If such a plane is not available, it is customary to draw guide lines n both faces, rough-chisel the edge, an(> finish with a smoothing or jointing place 19th century baltimore empire work tables . “Stop chamfering” is the term used when the chamfer swoops up gradually at e• h end antique dresser names . Saw cuts at each end are usually made to limit the plain chamfer, which is later graded upward with a spokeshave ebonized furniture australia antiques .
Sanding lion paw bedroom set . After a piece of wood is smoothed to the limit of a plane’s capail- ities, it is customary to refine the work by the application of a coated abras ve, or grit paper fretwork round tables . Abrasive papers come in standard 9 in gothic revival furnature with lions . x I I in sheffield plate 19th century . sheets, coated for the most part with particles of garnet, quartz, or flint french empire furniture . The variation in the sizE of There is a choice of abrasives for every purpose and each type of wood satsuma pottery thousand flower . In constructing furniture the finer grades of grit papers will normally be selected for gently smoothing the finer grain–; of hardwood that will probably be used cherry ladies writing desk by pennsylvania house .
As in planing, the abrading or cutting is performed with the grain, and under an equal pressure made in czecholovakia antique value . It is necessary to back up abrasive papers with some form of rigid block in order to equalize the pressure in cutting, thus preventing grooving best indian furniture designers . Every effort must also be exerted to prevent a twisting of the paper, which tends to produce cross-grain scratches art nouveau jugendstil jugs .
Blocks similar to those commercially available can be contrived by the home mechanic to suit the work in production french furniture with mother of pearl . For preliminary rough work, much elbow grease and weight are required; therefore, the block can be a heavy brick, covered by some durable material such as canvas, laced or sewed on the upper surface 18th century dining commode . Customarily, commercial sanding blocks have various ingenious methods for clamping the abrasive paper in place caughley ironstone . Inasmuch as these sanding mediums quickly lose their cutting power when the abrasive particles become dull, it is necessary continually to expose new surfaces antique settlers trunks with names on the side of them . A block of wood i in antique philadelphia round mahogany tilt top tea table . x 3 in antique plate meissen . x 5 in gillows three hinge . with a felt backing or a section of old inner tube glued to the underside will satisfy most requirements french makers of consoles gibier style 18th century .
Not the least cause of dullness of the sanding block is that the wood dust removed packs itself into the interstices between the abrasive particles to such an extent that they are unable to bite, even if still sharp french art deco ceramic marks crackle glaze . A scrubbing brush with even bristles, nailed on its back at the end of the workbench, will prove a valuable aid for the frequent elimination of this (lust pack antique gate leg oak table uk . Some mechanics prefer to massage the packed sandpaper with a more flexible cleaner, such as a bottle brush or a nail brush “ironstone china” and fake marks . Regardless of the method employed, it must also be remembered that a portion of the wood dust plugs up the pores in the wood also de coene art deco . This, too, must be removed before finishing operations are begun or the results will be
unsatisfactory octagonal wood antique moorish table ivory inlay . A quick way to effect this removal at frequent intervals is by means of a small brush attachment connected to the vacuum cleaner “extending dining table” patent german .
For irregular surfaces, appropriate sanding blocks must be employed, such as dowels, sponge rubber cakes, portions of solid rubber balls, or strips of the abrasive itself, pulled like a shoe-shine rag around the part to be sanded english pedestal sideboard . The finer abrasives used after the preliminary heavy sanding require a proportionally softer block; blackboard erasers, slabs of cork, or blocks to which several layers of old inner tube have been cemented are excellent for the purpose rococo chippendale mahogany china buffet . These softer types of blocking are especially necessary because the finer grits are imbedded in a more flexible, softer type of backing “french trestle tables” .
Another abrasive medium available, which is especially useful on irregular surfaces, is steel wool french pedestal desk 19th century . Its cutting powers are comparable to grits of 000, o, i, and 2 majorelle chair fruitwood . The 000 steel wool gives a sheen to hardwood surfaces unequaled by the finest grit papers french art deco ceramic marks crackle glaze . Before finishing, some mechanics pass a magnet over the abraded
finishing,
to pick up all particles of the metallic wool antique harlequin figure .
The delicate art of
sandin- between varnish coats can be successfully accom-plished by the amateur through the use of wet sanding papers dresser with rack in middle . These fine-grit abrasives are extremely tough and impervious to the water in which they must be soaked before application czechoslovakia pottery antique . Prior to the use of these abrasives, the varnished surface is sprinkled with a fine spraN, of water from any available laundry sprinkler 19th-century swedish table . After the surface is sanded, it must be carefully Sponge(> off, then wiped dry wi h a chamois or lint-free cloth original decos . Although these wet-sanding papers may be used n place of the pumice or rottenstone customarily applied with a felt pad for this type of finish coat, it must be appreciated that they exert a much faster cutting action, therefore extreme vigilance must be exercised to prevent cutting through tile varnish, instead of merely refining its surface brother furnitures (cupboard) .
Whenever possible, sanding should be done prior to final assembly, for after assembly the corners of rails, panels, and joints are difficult to reach consolidated lamp & glass company of coraopolis, pennsylvania in 1926 . When water stain is to be used later, it is good practice to raise the grain of the wood by sponging it with warm water, allowing it to dry thoroughly before commencing the sanding operations coffee table base rococo antique .
The following table is a suggested guide for selecting the grit size of the coated abrasive:
mastery of wood as a medium for expert craftsmanship who was pier the cabinet maker . Hence they kept their chisels as sharp as surgeons’ scalpels, a habit that today’s craftsmen would do well to emulate antique chinese ivory inlaid cabinet . A standard test for sharpness is to nick or bite into the thumbnail with the chisel german neoclassical secretaire .
Professional woodworkers’ tool kits usually contain a dazzling array of chisels of various sizes and shapes antique wood cutlery urns . For the plain wood joinery contemplated in this volume, however, the discussion will be narrowed to the three standard types, the socket-butt, socket-firmer, and tang-firmer chisels small portable tripod table . The socket chisels are generally
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used for heavy work under a mallet old gate leg table ball feet . Tang chisels are restricted to hand-paring, since the handle would be subject to splitting under repeated mallet or side-ofthe-hammer blows antique card table turned legs . Chisels of different widths are desirable, especially where the narrow ends of mortises must be cleaned out into square corners antique music stand london . In general the tang-type chisels are worked with both hands, with the bevel away from the work, as shown in Figure 1-13 pembroke table inlay drawer each end . The framing and butt chisels, intended for rougher work: are habitually held with one hand and driven by a mallet chamber pot cupboard . It is therefore desirable to compensate for the loss of control and consequent danger of undercutting by facing the bevel toward the work, away from the waste being cut out charles masse art deco .
All chisels should be hollow-ground; for working with hardwoods the bevel should be not less than 30′ antique octagonal side table . This is particularly true of the tang-firmer chisels, which are more efficient when ground to long levels, thus increasing their shearing capacity when rocked back and forth under hand pressure swan motif in empire furniture . The short bevels on the socket-butt and socket-firmer chisels add to the wedging effect of the blade, and prevent the cut from opening up ahead of the cutting edge fine meissen cobalt blue scene plate .
In using chisels it is well to follow a regular procedure 19th century antique furniture makers . The practice nowadays is first to remove all possible waste by sawing or boring, before resorting to chiseling antiques rockingham china . Regardless of whether this results from our national impatience or our genius for streamlining production, the procedure is a boon to the beginner james the first oak refectory table . In making a mortise for a door lock, for example, the recommended practice is to bore a series of overlapping holes to the proper depth within the scribed area, as in Figure 1 antique gilded console tables gesso design .14 and square off the remaining waste with the firmer chisel baltimore fancy chairs . When it is necessary or desirable to scoop out the entire mortise by use of the chisel only, the procedure is as shown in Figure 1 west indies antique paintings .13 medieval court cupboard .
With dadoes, saw cuts can be made by clamping a straightedge along the lines of the intended cut, then sawing to tLe required depth horizontally arzberg jean luce . The waste is then chipped out as in Figure i antique folding table with platted leggs .r5 british puzzle jugs .ably with a rachet swing yongzheng octagonal plate . Auger bits vary in diameter from 3/1 (; in drop leaf gate leg side table mahogany . to I/ in designing a credence table ., wit>, expansive bits capable of adjustment up to 3 in austrian antique painted furniture . Single- and double-twist bits are designed for general woodworking use; the solid-center type is preferred for finer cabinetwork britannia metal spain candlesticks .