my first hand tool only project

[bluedawg76]

Here is my almost (un)finished end table -dry fit assembled. this is my first hand tool only project -that goes for sawing, surfacing, joinery, etc. Well I'll drill the holes to fasten the top to the hidden supports on my drill press, but that's only b/c I don't have a brace (for now). I've been migrating over to neander ways during the past couple of projects and decided to go all the way on this project. The legs and aprons are walnut (jack murdock and the hardwood store of nc) and the top and shelf are mahogany (Chris aka srhardwoods -very nice stuff!). I still need to finish prepping the surfaces and glue it together. I'll probably pad on garnet shellac for the walnut and blonde shellac for the mahogany. Thanks for looking!

Sam

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[Mike Davis]

Well, that's just neat.

 

[MarkE]

Very nice. I'll bet you enjoyed the quiet while you were working on this.

BTW, if you are looking for a brace, PM me. I have a couple sitting around looking for something to do. No bits though.

 

[KenOfCary]

Wonderful work - always great to see what can be accomplished with hand tools.

I have several Braces and a complete set of bits to go with them if you'd like to use them. My avatar pic shows me using a 13" Brace (lots of torque) to drill 3/4" holes through my 5" thick Maple Workbench. I'd be happy to lend them to you as I don't use them daily by any means.

But then, a few power tools are always appropriate for special situations.

Love to see this happen. - Ken.

 

[patlaw]

While I don't understand the "hand tool only" approach to woodworking, I sure do respect people who know how to practice it. Maybe power tools can mask our inabilities to deal with real wood issues. Since you know how to make beautiful pieces like this one with your bare hands, I'll bet you're killer with power tools.

 

[bluedawg76]

Well, that's just neat.

I really liked some of the floating tables I've seen posted here and have wanted to make one for some time.


thanks for the offers for a brace. it's on my list of tools to get.

 

[bluedawg76]

While I don't understand the "hand tool only" approach to woodworking, I sure do respect people who know how to practice it. Maybe power tools can mask our inabilities to deal with real wood issues. Since you know how to make beautiful pieces like this one with your bare hands, I'll bet you're killer with power tools.

FWIW, I got in to hand tools to make up for my inadequacies w/ jig building. Seems I was always having to tweak something w/ a chisel or plane that didn't fit just right. I don't know how many tenons I've cut where the shoulders weren't square or the fit was either too tight or too loose. For me, between setup time and jig build, some things are much easier (and safer) to do by hand.

 

[Mike Davis]

I may have an extra one to give up, I've been playing with spoffard (sp) braces. I have two so far. One has really nice walnut turned knobs. One is all metal. They both need a little love but work well as they are.

 

[bluedawg76]

Very nice. I'll bet you enjoyed the quiet while you were working on this..

Very much! No DC running, no ear protection, no eye protection. it's a very peaceful and meditative experience.

 

[Obxwoody]

Pretty cool!

 

[Volksdad]

The table is just beautiful.

My inability with hand tools is ironic considering my fascination with them.

I can't wait to see it finished.

 

[MikeLake]

Very nice!

 

[KenOfCary]

Take a trip over to Ed's hand tool shop above the Woodwright's School in Pittsboro. He has lots of Braces and the bits for them for sale at present. Great place for hand tools and great guy to do business with.

Send email to edlebetkin<at>gmail.com to get on his mailing list to be notified of store hours which are somewhat irregular, having a lot to do with when classes are in session at the school.

 

[bluedawg76]

My inability with hand tools is ironic considering my fascination with them.

I'd recommend some of Paul Sellers' videos as a good way to get started

 

[Bill Clemmons]

Nice looking table, Sam. Can't wait to see it finished. Garnet, or Amber, shellac is my favorite finish for walnut. It really brings out the deep, rich tones.

 

[Canuck]

Nice work!:icon_thum

Wayne