Project Information
This Shaker style bench was made for a local Billings charity called the Eagle Mount Program. It's mission is to provide recreational opportunities to physically and mentally handicapped individuals.
I had several parts and material left over from building the previous benches and this was a good way to finish using them. I was certain the popularity of the bench would help it bring in some good money at the fundraising dinner and auction. I am pleased to say that it garnered $1,550 in the silent auction, this is much more than I could have donated!
I had a great opportunity to play with the WoodRat on this project.
I love the freedom of this joint making machine. My first dovetails turned out great.
One of the things I like to do with all of my dovetail joints is to lock them with a pin from the top and the bottom.
I like using a contrasting wood for the pin. It is a classic detail that insures the joint will never fail.
It was a lot of fun standing back and watching the reaction of people. They would "OOH" and "AAH" as they ran their hands over it and explored the construction of the drawers. I printed a page showing that it was handmade with progress photos and the text described the materials and design of the bench. I also talked about why I support the Eagle Mount Program.
The real fun was watching the final bidders trying to get the piece as the auction came to a close. Here I get a chance to talk to the winning bidder.
The bench is constructed of curly cherry and features the sapwood. Many craftsman shy away from using this beautiful and natural character of the wood. In this project I made it a feature.
The dovetailed drawers use a single board for a continuous run of grain from left to right.
The finish is Sherwin Williams pre-catalyzed lacquer T77-F37. It looks and wears great.
I had several parts and material left over from building the previous benches and this was a good way to finish using them. I was certain the popularity of the bench would help it bring in some good money at the fundraising dinner and auction. I am pleased to say that it garnered $1,550 in the silent auction, this is much more than I could have donated!
I had a great opportunity to play with the WoodRat on this project.
I love the freedom of this joint making machine. My first dovetails turned out great.
One of the things I like to do with all of my dovetail joints is to lock them with a pin from the top and the bottom.
I like using a contrasting wood for the pin. It is a classic detail that insures the joint will never fail.
It was a lot of fun standing back and watching the reaction of people. They would "OOH" and "AAH" as they ran their hands over it and explored the construction of the drawers. I printed a page showing that it was handmade with progress photos and the text described the materials and design of the bench. I also talked about why I support the Eagle Mount Program.
The real fun was watching the final bidders trying to get the piece as the auction came to a close. Here I get a chance to talk to the winning bidder.
The bench is constructed of curly cherry and features the sapwood. Many craftsman shy away from using this beautiful and natural character of the wood. In this project I made it a feature.
The dovetailed drawers use a single board for a continuous run of grain from left to right.
The finish is Sherwin Williams pre-catalyzed lacquer T77-F37. It looks and wears great.
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