Ash and Mahogany Bookcase

[danceswithwindows]

Sharing an Ash and Mahogany bookcase I built with the help of a little friend for his bedroom. Top is 5/4 Ash and Mahogany. Legs are 8/4 Ash. Mortise and Tenon joinery (hand cut the 24 mortises which was tough but I learned alot). Jointed boards prior to glue up with No. 6 Stanley - a wonderful tool. Used cabinet scraper and card scraper for smoothing - wanted to avoid sanding and experience how it used to be done before sanding was a big thing. Learned alot about sharpening too! Finished with Osmo. Best piece I have made to date. I hope you enjoy the photos.

 

[HITCH-]

Looks great and your apprentice is adorable
"Teach, your children well..."

 

[Henry W]

"I made that! (with a little help from my Dad)"
My kids can only now say that, but they are 25+ years older than your apprentice.

Great project and results.

Tell me what Osmo is ( I know it is a type of finish; that's all I know) and why you chose that.

 

[danceswithwindows]

"I made that! (with a little help from my Dad)"
My kids can only now say that, but they are 25+ years older than your apprentice.

Great project and results.

Tell me what Osmo is ( I know it is a type of finish; that's all I know) and why you chose that.

Haha! That's awesome. thanks for your kind words.

Osmo is an oil-wax finish. The reasons I chose it are:

1. Super easy to apply and to touch up. Especially when you have a helper. You wipe it on and then wipe off the excess. Very forgiving. Leaves a nice sheen that is not glossy.
2. the finish does a great job of retaining the texture of the wood grain. I like to feel the wood when I touch something I make, not a thick layer of poly/finish.
3. Its not a terribly strong smelling finish, so feel better about using it in a small shop with little people.

 

[ssmith]

That looks great! The woods compliment each other really well + you obviously had some quality help.

 

[KurtB]

Nice Job! The woods look great together. What a great experience to do that with your son.
I'm sure that will be in the family for a long time.

 

[Mark Johnson]

I think that is great! Greater still having your son such a major part of the process!

 

[Wilsoncb]

Nice job, that really looks good!

One question, what are the 1x1 pieces on the ends? Looks like they are sort of clamped on between the legs. I’m guessing they stop the smaller books from falling out the side?

 

[danceswithwindows]

Nice job, that really looks good!

One question, what are the 1x1 pieces on the ends? Looks like they are sort of clamped on between the legs. I’m guessing they stop the smaller books from falling out the side?

That right. I didn't have time to build the ends of the bookcase how I wanted them, so I made these for now to act as book ends. I have baby #2 coming on Tuesday, so I was under pressure to get done! In about 2 years I should be able to find time to get some sides on there!

 

[Craptastic]

Very nice! You have built an awesome piece of furniture and created memories that will be treasured for a long time.

Bravo!

 

[John Jimenez]

Great job making a quality piece of furniture and making quality memories with your boy! The taper cut on the legs add a nice touch as does the two tone woods on the shelves.

 

[mdbuntyn]

Job's a good'un

 

[Robert LaPlaca]

That’s an interesting combination of hardwoods, would never have thought to pair Mahogany with Ash. The Mahogany looks like genuine Mahogany, if so where did you source it?

 

[Bill E]

I like the color of the ash and maghogany. They work well together. Be sure to sign and date the bookcase!
Bill E

 

[danceswithwindows]

That’s an interesting combination of hardwoods, would never have thought to pair Mahogany with Ash. The Mahogany looks like genuine Mahogany, if so where did you source it?

It is from Capitol City Lumber in Raleigh. Expensive but good stuff and a very wide selection.

 

[Robert LaPlaca]

It is from Capitol City Lumber in Raleigh. Expensive but good stuff and a very wide selection.

I will have to check them out. High quality SA Mahogany is pretty hard to find, my usual supplier is not sourcing Mahogany..

 

[1075tech]

Very cool! Great help too!

 

[Trey1984]

Haha! That's awesome. thanks for your kind words.

Osmo is an oil-wax finish. The reasons I chose it are:

1. Super easy to apply and to touch up. Especially when you have a helper. You wipe it on and then wipe off the excess. Very forgiving. Leaves a nice sheen that is not glossy.
2. the finish does a great job of retaining the texture of the wood grain. I like to feel the wood when I touch something I make, not a thick layer of poly/finish.
3. Its not a terribly strong smelling finish, so feel better about using it in a small shop with little people.

Good to know going to have to try it. Always trying to find a way for my little apprentice to help too. But sometimes can be kinda limited in a wood shop. Awesome piece looks great

 

[Hmerkle]

That is awesome and it is all captured in your "Customer / apprentices" smile!

 

[Michael Mathews]

Nicely done! Making memories!