Woodworking is not a difficult endeavor. It’s not, really. It is woodworkers that make it difficult. Over-thinking and sweating the small stuff causes us to pause, or even stop. It’s better to get out in the shop and make something – anything – happen. Just recently, in a comment posted to my personal blog site, … Read more
As I read many of your comments and suggestions for my bench drawer storage, I also talked with executive editor Bob Lang. Bob suggested that I consider making my drawers depths in multiples of 2″, such as 2″, 4″ and 6″ deep drawers. If I then position the grooves cut into the case sides at … Read more
Take a look inside almost anyone’s shop and you’ll see the regular assortment of power tools. You’ll see a table saw and a band saw, and you may stub your toe on a jointer and planer. Those machines are most useful at the beginning of a project, but as you get into the project, there … Read more
Before I jump onto my soapbox to spout off, I’ll share a bit more about drawers for my upcoming workbench. I plan to have two stacks, each with five drawers. Sizes range from a small 2-3/16″-deep drawer to the deepest, bottom drawer at 3-3/8″ deep. My SketchUp drawing shows an exploded drawer, including how the … Read more
I’m not afraid of change. If I could paraphrase Michael Douglas in the movie “Wall Street,” “Change is good.” It’s a renewal. I get pumped up as I begin anew. That is one of the reasons I chose to build furniture; just as I got bored with a project, it would reach its end and … Read more
Most warp takes place as green wood dries, but the potential for movement remains after lumber is brought into your shop. By Glen D. Huey Pages 6-10 From the Summer 2009 issue of Woodworking Magazine. Buy this issue now. The quick answer to why wood warps is simple: There’s a gain or loss of moisture … Read more
Expand your casework repertoire with a curvaceous front.
By Glen D. Huey
Pages: 28-35
From the February 2012 issue #195.
Buy the issue now.
One of the most interesting aspects of a serpentine chest, with its front concave at the ends and convex in the center, is how the wood grain changes as the curves undulate across the front. A drawer front that begins as a piece of flat stock presents three distinct areas after shaping. The grain in the concave sections displays an “X” pattern, while the grain in the center section forms a circle. The patterns highlight the curved front to give the chest a more distinctive appearance.
* In the cut list for the Serpentine Chest, the drawer fronts were incorrectly listed as 1 -3/4″ thick; the correct thickness for each drawer front is 2 -3/4.”
MODEL: Click here for the SketchUp model of the Serpentine Chest.
VIDEO: See Glen use a router setup to remove the bulk of the waste from dovetail sockets.
MORE VIDEO: Discover the treasures of 42 diplomatic reception rooms at the U.S. Department of State building in Washington, D.C., home to a fabulous collection of American antiques.
IN OUR STORE: “Building 18th-Century American Furniture” by Glen D. Huey – an extensive collection of project plans of the author’s favorite furniture pieces. Also, Glen’s video, “Cheating at Handcut Dovetails.” Read more
