Project by JayT | posted 12-20-2014 06:30 PM | 3572 views | 11 times favorited | 19 comments | ![]() |
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Had a pair of old sewing machine legs and a set of drawers from a different sewing cabinet that had been sitting around for a couple years with no idea what to do with them. Then ran across an end table in an antique store and thought I could do something similar. At the same time, my wife was talking about rearranging the furniture on our front porch, but needed a narrower table than what we have currently to be able to do that. Easy mesh of needs and materials—six months ago. :-)
The top and drawers were quickly done, but I finally found time to get the cross brace at the bottom done, so the project is complete. Nothing real difficult about the project. The sewing machine legs were wire-brushed to remove rust, hit with rust reforming primer and then Rustoleum hammered black spray paint. The top was resawn and glued up from some reclaimed red oak trucking skids. This is probably the part of the project I am most happy with. It took a bit of time matching grain to try and get a seamless look, but overall, I think it was successful, as it’s very tough to tell that there are six individual pieces glued together. It also pulls some great quarter-sawn flecking.
The cross brace is made out of white oak from another of the trucking skids. The pattern was drawn and done by hand with a coping saw and rasps to try and emulate the shapes of the legs.
Toughest part was working the finishes to get the new to blend with the old sewing drawers. Ended up with a coat of dark walnut Watco Danish oil, followed by multiple coats of amber shellac. Once the colors started to even out, satin spar poly was put on to provide a durable outdoor finish.
Thanks for looking and hope you enjoy.
-- https://www.jtplaneworks.com - In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.
19 comments so far
Paul Mayer
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1146 posts in 4030 days
#1 posted 12-20-2014 06:46 PM
This is outstanding. Great idea, and excellent execution.
-- Paul Mayer, http://youtube.com/c/toolmetrix
theoldfart
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12262 posts in 3416 days
#2 posted 12-20-2014 07:17 PM
JUST so-so? Comon’ Jay, it;s great. Some of these steam punkers could take a few lessons from you. Nicely done, the effort shows.
-- "With every tool obtained, there is another that is needed" DonW ( Kevin )
ShaneA
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#3 posted 12-20-2014 07:43 PM
Awesome repurpose, it looks great. Must be a nice porch to have such a quality piece destined for it.
Don W
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#4 posted 12-20-2014 07:55 PM
very creative JayT. A great repurpose. I like it!
-- http://timetestedtools.net - Collecting is an investment in the past, and the future.
JayT
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6417 posts in 3176 days
#5 posted 12-20-2014 09:27 PM
Thanks, guys.
Kevin, not so-so, I said it was “sew-sew”. Just trying to make a play on words with the sewing cabinet components. Evidently, my puns are worse than my woodworking. :-)
-- https://www.jtplaneworks.com - In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is.
theoldfart
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12262 posts in 3416 days
#6 posted 12-20-2014 10:09 PM
so-so, sew-sew, they all sound the same! Still a damn nice piece.
-- "With every tool obtained, there is another that is needed" DonW ( Kevin )
sras
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#7 posted 12-20-2014 11:39 PM
Nice idea – and a cool name!
-- Steve - Impatience is Expensive
woodcox
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2386 posts in 2977 days
#8 posted 12-21-2014 02:12 AM
Good work JayT. Those drawers are very cool, the curves and coves are classic. Nice that you incorporated them back in for the theme. Your stretcher fits perfectly with the legs and the top looks great. I hope your porch is enclosed;)
-- "My god has more wood than your god" ... G. Carlin.
oldnovice
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7699 posts in 4333 days
#9 posted 12-21-2014 05:53 AM
Outstanding work. Very unique idea indeed.
Thanks for sharing.
-- "It's fine in practise but it will never work in theory"
Smitty_Cabinetshop
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17100 posts in 3583 days
#10 posted 12-21-2014 08:18 AM
Top notch, seamless integration of old and new. Sew very nice! Okay, I’ve needled you long enough.
Lawl.
Great work!
-- Don't anthropomorphize your handplanes. They hate it when you do that. - OldTools Archive -
bondogaposis
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#11 posted 12-21-2014 01:19 PM
Very cool.
-- Bondo Gaposis
Buckethead
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#12 posted 12-21-2014 01:22 PM
Nice, JayT…
-- Support woodworking hand models. Buy me a sawstop.
Woodbridge
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#13 posted 12-21-2014 05:14 PM
great project. That is a very imaginative re purposing of materials and items. YoOu did a great job matching colours. The end result looks great.
-- Peter, Woodbridge, Ontario
hunter71
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#14 posted 12-22-2014 03:10 AM
Hay, that is so cool.
-- A childs smile is payment enough.
BikerDad
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#15 posted 12-22-2014 04:13 AM
Jay, I think Kevin was just needling you.
Wonderful rework. It looks like a true vintage piece.
-- I'm happier than a tornado in a trailer park! Grace & Peace.
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