| Blog series by shipwright | updated 09-03-2013 05:47 AM | 4 parts | 19479 reads | 70 comments total |
Part 1: Layout and Cutting... and a senior moment
So the chevalet is finished and it’s time to take her for a test drive. Like any test drive, you want to really put her through her paces so first up is to find a challenging road, or in this case some intricate clip art. Trace the artwork onto white paper. The veneers are home dyed with concentrated aniline dye in isopropyl alcohol. Tape the backs to keep the tiny bits attached when cutting. Stack the veneers into a packet and attach the pattern with spray adhesive...
Part 2: Dying Veneers, More Practice and the Chianti Black Rooster.
As I am using green and red veneers here I thought I’d answer the “Did you dye them?” question right off. Yes, this is what I did. First I mixed concentrated liquid aniline dye in isopropyl alcohol only to reduce swelling and distortion. Then I soaked the first side… and turned it over and soaked the back side. This is how well the first coat penetrated. I hope I’m not disappointed when I sand, But this gave me reason to think it may be OK. Then I wrapp...
Part 3: The Requested Video, Part One.
I had two LJ friends over today to do a test drive and we managed to shoot a surprisingly passable video. We started with my digital camera but its battery died so we switched to one of theirs. I was able to find a video editing program downloadable free and managed to clean up the part from my camera but the rest will have to wait a day or so. Anyway this should give you a pretty good idea of how it works. I’m a complete virgin at this video stuff (and the chevalet for that matter) so ...
Part 4: Looking Back
I just re-read this blog 900 odd days after originally posting it. I was taken by how far I’ve come in the interim. Please, if you are looking for information about this tool, go to the chevalet clubhouse, read my more recent blogs, or better yet take a class at The American School Of French Marquetry where they actually know what they are talking about. Above all don’t listen to anything I said here 900 days ago. I knew so little I’m surprised I could feed myself. Lookin...
