"IT"

[Marty Walsh]

Well folks, the work finally ended on "IT". In fact, I delivered and got paid for it a few weeks ago.

Time for the real thread title:

Birth of a Jewelry and Lingerie Armoire

Yup, that's what "IT" is...a Jewelry and Lingerie Armoire.

I'm only going to post a few pictures here...

25990.....25991.....25992.....25993.....25994


It took me a few weeks after the delivery to get to posting here because I wanted to completely re-do my web site and use that to host most of the information about the piece. As is my way, I took 3,222 pictures during the construction, and have text that accompanies each. There's no way I was going to sit and create page after page of a thread here, especially since I can only post 10 pics per post.

It worked out though since I created a presentation for the client and have that presentation on my new web site for anyone here that's interested enough to sit through it.


Here's a little detail...for those that don't care to sit through the presentation:


The piece is 5' tall by 2' by 2'
Rough estimate of weight is somewhere over 300 pounds
It's built from solid Mahogany - no secondary woods
The case sides are veneered in grain matched quarter sawn Sapelle
The front is grain match Mottled Makore - one 5' long piece of veneer covered all drawers
The doors and lid are Mahogany Crotch Veneer
All drawers are dovetailed - A combination of Rabetted Half Blind, Through, and Half Blind
The doors are lockable without a center post via library catches top and bottom
...thousand of other details...all covered in the presentation on my web site


With all the detail that went into making this piece, I can't decide what to mention and what to leave to the presentation. I'll be more than happy to answer questions from anyone that might have them. But if anyone's really interested enough, go through the presentation. It covers A LOT!

Oh yeah, it would help if I provided the link to the presentation, huh?

Here ya go SLIDESHOW LINK (http://fivebraids.com/gallery/jewelry_amoire/album/index.html)


I have a few more projects in the shop that are keeping me busy. But now that I've posted here, I'll make an effort to stop by more often...in case there are questions...oh, and to try to catch up a bit. :rolleyes:

Thanks for looking/waiting...
- Marty -

P.S. I'm still working on my new web site. There ARE typos, link problems, etc. But I wanted to get this posted here so I rushed things. If anyone finds problems on my new site, I'd appreciate a PM with the details.

[allen levine]

whoa thats pretty!

great slide show, I just watched it......this isnt furniture, its art.

Congratulations sir on creating something of such beauty.(mahogany is such a great looking wood)

[Vaughn McMillan]

It's about freakin' time. :p

[tod evans]

`bout time;)



i`ve allready told ya` but nice job dude!!!!

[Darren Wright]

WOW! :bow::bow::bow:

Marty, That is just beautiful, great work. Really enjoyed the slide show, you did a great job.

[Bill Lantry]

Marty,

I'm speechless. It is the very embodiment of beautiful work.

Thanks,

Bill

[Norman Hitt]

Sheesh, Marty, I'll bet you had to charge that customer an EXTRA dollar-two ninety eight just for the FINISH.:rofl::rofl::rofl:

All I can say is WOW.:thumb:

[Lee Laird]

Marty,

That is one beautiful piece. I can only imagine the price tag for what really does look like a piece of art. How many hours are tied up in it? Were you cutting the dovetails by hand or using a jig? How did you transport the piece and would you do anything differently if you were doing it over?

Thanks for sharing your work with us. Definitely something to aspire to.

Regards,

[Ned Bulken]

Funny thing Marty,
I was just thinking about dropping you a message tonight when I checked the new posts list and there It was!

Well worth the wait, and truly a Masterpiece!

[Kirk Constable]

However long it took, it was worth it. Makes me tired just looking at all the detail. :wave:

[Karl Laustrup]

Marty, that is spectacular.

IMHO, well worthy of a Fine Woodworking appearance.

Well done.

Karl

[Doug Shepard]

Thanks for posting the slideshow. That was outstanding. Better than watching an episode of David Marks. One question, as I just recently got a vacuum press (still to be assembled). What type of glue were you using that needed the fan to aid curing?

[Frank Pellow]

Great job Marty! It's worthy of your new shop.

[randy street]

WOW!! That is a very nice piece. The slide show really is great, hopefully the clients got a true sense of the workmanship and hard work that went into the project.

In typical Marty form, the attention to detail in the piece and presentation is top notch.

Congratulations for a job well done.:thumb::bow::bow:

Randy

[Tom Niemi]

Marty, I am trying to come up with something to say about "IT", but I can't. From the conseption, design, build, documention, final finish, everything, just spectacular, unreal, incredible, WOW.
Thank you for sharing and documenting (full time job in its self!).
This is what FWW is about. Building and sharing projects and this one is top notch.

Tom

[larry merlau]

bout time you georgia hick:) i was about to drop back down and help ya deliver it so you could show the folks.. i had to get another dumpster for the junk mail inquiring me as to what it was but i still resisted:) glad all came out marty and have a great turkey day and tell that nice U.P girl you know so well i said hey as well glad for both of you. but your gonna have really out do it next time to beat this one marty!!! my expression was about the same as it was the first time i saw it but his time i could breath:) and didnt instanyl reach out to touch it..

[Stuart Ablett]

Marty, that is just simply perfect.

I'm so very impressed, I knew, from your workshop build that you do nice work and you would do a very good job at whatever you tackled, but man, you have outdone yourself.

Kudos! :clap:

If I may ask you a related question, I'm sure your workshop got a good workout in this build, I'd like to ask what aspects of your workshop preformed how you wanted, and hoped, and if there were any areas that where not quite up to snuff?

Just curious, I do not wish to hijack you thread.

Oh Yeah......................... about time! :D :thumb:

[Jim O'Dell]

I wondered early and often at how one piece could be worth this much time and effort. Well sir, you just answered my questions and blew me away!! That is stunning! I'm leaving for my parents house in about an hour, so I'll watch the presentation when I get home this evening.
Thanks for the, what I'm sure is a teaser for what the presentation will show. And I hope you two have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. Jim.

[Marty Walsh]

Marty,

That is one beautiful piece. I can only imagine the price tag for what really does look like a piece of art. How many hours are tied up in it?

Hours? Hmm...never took the time to do the math. Start to finish it took a little over 13 months. But there was time taken off during that period...for other smaller (money-making) projects...a short visit to the Ozarks...etc. There's really no way to tell how much actual time was spent on the project. Although I was out there for many months, 7 days a week, at least 12 or more hours a day.


Were you cutting the dovetails by hand or using a jig?

If you look at the slide show, you'll see parts mounted in my D4. I actually thought about cutting them by hand, but shuddered at the thought of how much time THAT would have taken! :eek:


How did you transport the piece and would you do anything differently if you were doing it over?

Transporting "IT" over 600 miles north was/is a story on to itself!!!

Better than explaining the mechanics/logistics, how about some pics to show you?

26026.....26027.....26028.....26029

26030.....26031.....26032.....26033

One of the big challenges was that the weekend I delivered was the only weekend the client would be available for quite a while. And the time frame they allotted me meant that I had to leave the shop about 5am on Saturday morning. The challenge came by way of rain. There was NO WAY we were gonna try to load "IT" in the rain. It started raining on Thursday and didn't stop. The car had to be loaded before 5am on Saturday...we had no choice.

Denise watched the weather radar all day Friday and into the night. I was trying to get some shuteye Friday night in preparation for the 11 hour drive, just in case we were able to get all loaded up. About 11pm on Friday night, Denise woke me to let me know that there was about to be a break in the clouds...a small window, but a window!

We raced out to the shop and got to work. About 1am "IT" was wrapped up safe and sound in the back of Denise's car. As we headed back to the house, the skies opened up and the rain started up again. Timing is everything...;)

The next big challenge was driving 600 miles of I95 with such precious cargo in the back of a station wagon! I can't tell you how many times I cringed when I hit bumps in the road.

Luckily, Denise did a great job wrapping and "IT" made it to its new home safe sound and un-molested. (I brought a repair kit just in case. Lacquer, dye, spirits, wax, etc...but thankfully never needed it :thumb:)


What would I do differently...?

Well, I wouldn't have chosen such an intensely challenging project for the new shops maiden project. There were just too many techniques and processes that I'd never attempted before. Not to mention, I was and still am getting used to all the new tools!

Speaking of which, I would be remiss if I didn't give thanks to our good friend Tod. I can't explain how helpful tod's been during "IT"'s birth!

THANKS AGAIN TOD!!!!!!

Back to your question...actually, I probably wouldn't do anything differently. I really dug the challenge...:D


Thanks for sharing your work with us. Definitely something to aspire to.

Regards,

Thanks for the kind words. :thumb:


Thanks for posting the slideshow. That was outstanding. Better than watching an episode of David Marks. One question, as I just recently got a vacuum press (still to be assembled). What type of glue were you using that needed the fan to aid curing?

Thanks for the kind words Doug.

I use Titebond for veneering...usually I or II. But just about any glue needs to cure for a while when coming out of the vacuum. When you take something out of the bag, put your hand on it. You'll feel that it's wet. The fan just helps circulate more air, expediting the curing. That picture was taken late at night, and I wanted to be able to start processing first thing in the morning.


And thanks to everyone else for the kind words.
- Marty -

[Marty Walsh]

Marty, that is just simply perfect.

I'm so very impressed, I knew, from your workshop build that you do nice work and you would do a very good job at whatever you tackled, but man, you have outdone yourself.

Kudos! :clap:

If I may ask you a related question, I'm sure your workshop got a good workout in this build, I'd like to ask what aspects of your workshop preformed how you wanted, and hoped, and if there were any areas that where not quite up to snuff?

Just curious, I do not wish to hijack you thread.

Oh Yeah......................... about time! :D :thumb:

Thanks for the kind words.

The shop 'performed' great during the build. Machines were all 100% on, dust collection and lighting was perfect, workflow was as designed and perfect.

There were a few 'things' I lacked during the build that would have made things easier...JLT clamp, widebelt sander, etc. But I've taken care of that :rolleyes:

The only other issue I had was room. I need a BIGGER shop!

- Marty -

[tod evans]

you`re welcome! and thanks for sharing the build and techniques so others can learn without the hinderance of my poor typing and spellin` skills.:o

[Rob Keeble]

So many before me have taken the words out of my mouth I am speechless..:rofl::rofl::rofl:.

How do you part with an item like that. How do you put a price on a item like that. I only see things like this in museums and art galleries. Is it financially worth doing this type of project or did you do it more as a marketing excercise?

Some really luckly owner. Conratulations and on and on......

[Bill Lantry]

The only other issue I had was room. I need a BIGGER shop!
- Marty -

Geez, Marty! A bigger shop? :p

Actually, a lot of people have joined since you took a hiatus to work on this piece. I'm sure they'd like to see a quick tour of your shop! (hint, hint!) ;)

Now, a serious point: You've got lots of pics, and the story's still fresh in your mind. You really should think about working up an article about the making of this piece. Frankly, I think between the story of the shop and the story of this piece, you've got a whole book's worth of material, but a good article would be a start. There are lots and lots of people who would love to read about it...

Seriously, think about it...

I do have one question. I was thinking when you got the slider that you'd be cutting up lots of sheet goods for this project. You done fooled me good with that one! :thumb: But did you use the slider to cut the mahogany, or a standard saw?

I have this idea that we all try to make things that are just beyond our available tools and our skills. This piece is a great example on both counts. I can do nothing more than express my substantial admiration. Like the song says: 'By the work, one knows the workman.' :bow:

Thanks,

Bill

[Pete Simmons]

Marty:

Many have or maybe many could build and stock a workshop similar to yours given the resources.

VERY FEW could ever build anything even similar to "IT" no matter how long they worked on it or how much they tried.

You have a beautiful shop but even more important you have a special gift of skill to be able to build something as beautiful as that project.

Like the others before me I am at a loss of words to tell you how wonderful, beautiful and everything else good could be about your project.

Looking forward to seeing the next one.

[Bill Arnold]

Marty,

That's a beautiful work of art!

Thanks for providing detail on your finish processes. I still have a long way to go on having the patience to create a finish like you did on "IT". Your slideshow gave me a lot of insight into what I need to do.

:thumb:

[Alfredo Rodriguez Garcia]

Marty,
very nice work.
:bow:

[Frank Townend]

Now, a serious point: You've got lots of pics, and the story's still fresh in your mind. You really should think about working up an article about the making of this piece. Frankly, I think between the story of the shop and the story of this piece, you've got a whole book's worth of material, but a good article would be a start. There are lots and lots of people who would love to read about it...

After watching Marty's stunning slideshow I visited his Web site and was treated to a collection of his work, a very nice story how he got to where he is, and a great tour of his Georgia workshop.

A direct link to Marty's Web site is here: Marty's Web Site (http://fivebraids.com/default.html)

[William Lewis]

Marty,

Beautiful job on IT.:thumb::thumb::thumb:I could only strive to build something as challanging as that. Thanks again.

Bill

[Mohammad Madha]

"IT" is gorgeous.

Great job all around. This piece will be cherished by many generations.

[Kevin Gerstenecker]

Marty, in one word............Spectacular! Nothing more needs to be said.

Thanks for sharing "IT" with us! :thumb:

[Bill Lantry]

After watching Marty's stunning slideshow I visited his Web site and was treated to a collection of his work, a very nice story how he got to where he is, and a great tour of his Georgia workshop.


Frank,

If you like a good story, and I'm guessing you do, get yourself a cup of coffee, a glass of good wine, or a hearty snifter of your favorite single malt, and start here:

http://www.familywoodworking.org/forums/showthread.php?t=141

You may want to have the bottle close at hand... you may be sitting there a while... ;)

Thanks,

Bill

[Frank Townend]

Thank you Bill; and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Interesting thing about Family Woodworking. The site is like a gold mine, lying under a beautiful pasture or forest. By that I mean, on the surface wonderful things to see and learn about, but underground, astounding treasure.

All the best.

"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me, than a frontal lobotomy."

[Bill Satko]

Frank,

If you like a good story, and I'm guessing you do, get yourself a cup of coffee, a glass of good wine, or a hearty snifter of your favorite single malt, and start here:

http://www.familywoodworking.org/forums/showthread.php?t=141

You may want to have the bottle close at hand... you may be sitting there a while... ;)

Thanks,

Bill

Bill, you know he needs to go to the beginning.

www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=36894 (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=36894)

Just starting where you pointed him would be like starting a good movie half way through it.

[Frank Townend]

Thanks Bill. I am on page three of nine (displaying 200 posts per page) and am in total awe of Marty and Denise (and support crew :)) and their efforts in building this incredible shop.

At first I thought I would "just" read Marty's posts and jump over commenters, but the back and forth sharing of ideas, can't be passed over.

I'll head over to Sawmill Creek after this reading, kinda like watching the extras on a DVD after seeing the film.

Thanks again Bills!

[Doug Shepard]

...
I use Titebond for veneering...usually I or II. But just about any glue needs to cure for a while when coming out of the vacuum. When you take something out of the bag, put your hand on it. You'll feel that it's wet. The fan just helps circulate more air, expediting the curing. That picture was taken late at night, and I wanted to be able to start processing first thing in the morning.
...


I was wondering if you were using epoxy and concerned about the heat for some reason. But I've got to get out of the non-vacuum clamping mindset I guess. Normally I just leave clamps on overnight but it makes sense I guess that you'd not want to leave a vac press running that long especially with that many pieces still waiting for the press. So do you just stick with the clamp time recommended by whatever glue you're using before pulling it from the bag?

[Robert Schaubhut]

Hi Marty :wave:,
That is a beautifully engineered and handsome piece. Functional and elegant too. Congratulations.
Shaz :)

[John Daugherty]

WOW!:eek::thumb:

[Jim O'Dell]

Another WOW!! I just finished watching the slide show....Marty I now know why this took you 13 months to complete. You know, if you took a few less pictures, you could have shaved at least 2 months off the time!!!:rofl::rofl:
All kidding aside, the attention to detail is unmatched, except by your patience. I'm not sure I have that kind of patience anymore. Used to, but not any more. And it really takes an artist to see the end before reaching it, and therefore knowing what each step must take to achieve "IT". And that proves that you and Denise do have a studio there, not a shop.
Very inspirational! http://bestsmileys.com/bowing/1.gif Jim.

[Marty Walsh]

So many before me have taken the words out of my mouth I am speechless..:rofl::rofl::rofl:.

How do you part with an item like that. How do you put a price on a item like that. I only see things like this in museums and art galleries. Is it financially worth doing this type of project or did you do it more as a marketing excercise?

Some really luckly owner. Conratulations and on and on......

Financially viable? Heck no! Now that I have all the processes down, I could probably build another in about 6 months. So, that would be two pieces a year. Could I price them high enough to live from the profits? Nope, not likely!

It was far more of a marketing exercise. Plus it was made for a good friend of mine back in VA.

Geez, Marty! A bigger shop? :p

Actually, a lot of people have joined since you took a hiatus to work on this piece. I'm sure they'd like to see a quick tour of your shop! (hint, hint!) ;)


Well, as I mentioned on my web site, I need to take a few new pictures of the shop. There are plenty of new tools that aren't shown in the few pictures I left on my site. If there's interest, I'll post the new pics here too.


Now, a serious point: You've got lots of pics, and the story's still fresh in your mind. You really should think about working up an article about the making of this piece. Frankly, I think between the story of the shop and the story of this piece, you've got a whole book's worth of material, but a good article would be a start. There are lots and lots of people who would love to read about it...

Seriously, think about it...


Bill you're not the first to mention the idea of a book to me. As for the article, who do I market that to...and how?

This actually brings up something that tod and I have discussed. We've toyed with the idea of holding classes, at either (or both) of our shops. We could have classes on whatever folks want to learn about. We haven't gotten very far with the idea, cuz I'm not sure there would be enough of an audience that would be willing to pay to spend time with a pair of old hippies making sawdust...:huh:

We'd also both have to check with our insurance carriers to make sure we "could" do it and not risk our shops.

Maybe he and I need to discuss this some more...if there's interest...:dunno:


I do have one question. I was thinking when you got the slider that you'd be cutting up lots of sheet goods for this project. You done fooled me good with that one! :thumb: But did you use the slider to cut the mahogany, or a standard saw?


Your question is one of the greatest misconceptions that folks have about sliders. Sliders are sure great for handling large sheet goods. But, think 'cross-cut sled' for a normal table saw. Well, the slider has the sled built in!

So yes, I used the slider to cut just about every part of "IT". Imagine, there are 22 drawers in "IT". That 88 pieces that had to be machined with perfectly square ends, cut to EXACTLY the same length. The slider made simple work of it. Set the stops on the fence, make cuts, repeat.

And if you look closely at the slideshow on my site, you'll see pictures where I was using the slider to cut the cove molding...to cut slots in the molding stack for splines...and loads of other things.


I have this idea that we all try to make things that are just beyond our available tools and our skills. This piece is a great example on both counts. I can do nothing more than express my substantial admiration. Like the song says: 'By the work, one knows the workman.' :bow:

Thanks,

Bill

Well Bill, I can confidently say that I could have built "IT" without my shop full of kewl tewls. It just would taken a little longer, and I would have had to develop a few different methods to do things without the bigger tools.


Frank,

If you like a good story, and I'm guessing you do, get yourself a cup of coffee, a glass of good wine, or a hearty snifter of your favorite single malt, and start here:

http://www.familywoodworking.org/forums/showthread.php?t=141

You may want to have the bottle close at hand... you may be sitting there a while... ;)

Thanks,

Bill

Hey Bill, thanks for the trip down memory lane. Denise and I both took a few minutes and ran through the old thread. Boy, have we come a long way in two years! :D


I was wondering if you were using epoxy and concerned about the heat for some reason. But I've got to get out of the non-vacuum clamping mindset I guess. Normally I just leave clamps on overnight but it makes sense I guess that you'd not want to leave a vac press running that long especially with that many pieces still waiting for the press. So do you just stick with the clamp time recommended by whatever glue you're using before pulling it from the bag?

Well Doug, I have in fact left stuff in the bag overnight...several times. But, most of the time, I have something waiting to go in next, so most things only get about 4 hours of 'squishing' before they come out of the bag.

As for recommended clamp time, I couldn't say. I don't think I've ever looked at the label on a glue bottle. It's more of a 'feel' thing. Four (or more) hours in the bag and then I either begin working on the piece, or let it stand and dry. It depends on what it is, what substrate I used, the nature of the veneer, etc.



Now, to everyone else that's posted in this thread...

All I can say is THANKS to you all for such kind words. It makes me blush to hear all those compliments.

As tod says...."Heck it's just wood!"

Thanks again...
- Marty -

[Frank Fusco]

That is a real test of master craftsmanship.
You passed. :thumb:
Outstanding project.

[Doug Shepard]

...
As tod says...."Heck it's just wood!"
...


It used to be just wood. Then you got your hands on it, and turned it into art.

[Neil Clemmons]

Fantastic work Marty. I'm sure you are thankful to have that one finished.

As impressive as the shop and work are, I was amazed with all the photos you took of the process.

Congrats - very few have the talent or patience to do what you did...

neil

[glenn bradley]

I have been so busy showing this thing to anyone who will look that I haven't posted any comments yet; bee-you-tee-full work. Thanks for all the pics and effort at getting them too.

[jim capozzi]

hi marty ,

i just spent a very enjoyable couple of hours going through the slideshow . i am amazed by your craftsmanship , patience , and skill . you have created a true work of art. the part that its functional art is just a bonus.

i have a couple of questions : how many hours did you spend on this piece in total ? and how many coats of sealer and sanding cycles did it take to fill in the crotch veneer ?

i hope the customer is absolutely thrilled:thumb:

this piece is finer than many that i have seen in fine woodworking magazine :) i truley hope you will submit some of those photos so i can see it in the magazine real soon :thumb:

[allen levine]

Mr. Walsh, again, youre talent is obvious, nothing needs to said,

I have one question, being a beginner and not understanding one thing about solid wood and veneers. Hope you have a second to answer this or someone else can.
If youre building solid mahogany, applying veneer(and that stuff was gorgeous) over glued up boards, it there any worry of wood expansion under the veneer that could possible damage the veneer with expansion and contraction?
Hope Im not out of line with this question.

[jim capozzi]

geez marty, i forgot to ask about that question too ... or did i not see it right :huh: you did put crotch veneer over solid mahogany didn't you ? is there something i am not getting about wood movement :dunno:

[joe blankshain]

Congratulations to Marty and Denise.

When we were working on the shop building it was evident that you were s detail oriented craftsman. But, the only word I could find for "IT" is unbelievable! Talk to you soon and the class idea is growing on us lesser wood butchers.

[Al killian]

That is a very stunning peice. Great job as always.

[tod evans]

Bill you're not the first to mention the idea of a book to me. As for the article, who do I market that to...and how?

This actually brings up something that tod and I have discussed. We've toyed with the idea of holding classes, at either (or both) of our shops. We could have classes on whatever folks want to learn about. We haven't gotten very far with the idea, cuz I'm not sure there would be enough of an audience that would be willing to pay to spend time with a pair of old hippies making sawdust...:huh:

We'd also both have to check with our insurance carriers to make sure we "could" do it and not risk our shops.

Maybe he and I need to discuss this some more...if there's interest...:dunno:


- Marty -

soooooo? does anybody have any input on the marty-n-tod roadshow?

[allen levine]

personally, I think its a fantastic idea.

If it were the northeast, Id sign up.

[Bartee Lamar]

Well,

I am a little late to this thread.....

I have been spending more time in my little shop.

Marty,

GREAT to hear from you again. Your work is incredible. Best I can tell, there was never a piece of wood that had to be recut.

This is a great lesson in so many ways.

I look forward to "seeing" more posting from you on the site.

...bartee...

[LEIF REDDING]

Up til now I've remained lurking in the shadows, but had to put my two cents in with everyone else's to let you know what an inspiration it is to see this project unfold and just to say "WOW"! Beautiful work...

[Marty Walsh]

hi marty ,

i just spent a very enjoyable couple of hours going through the slideshow . i am amazed by your craftsmanship , patience , and skill . you have created a true work of art. the part that its functional art is just a bonus.

i have a couple of questions : how many hours did you spend on this piece in total ? and how many coats of sealer and sanding cycles did it take to fill in the crotch veneer ?

i hope the customer is absolutely thrilled:thumb:

this piece is finer than many that i have seen in fine woodworking magazine :) i truley hope you will submit some of those photos so i can see it in the magazine real soon :thumb:

Thanks Jim...

As I mentioned earlier, I don't know the actual 'hour' count on the project, since I was doing other smaller 'money-making' projects, etc. If I had to guess, it would be TOO MANY HOURS! :doh:

As for filling the crotch veneer, (and the other veneers), I didn't actually count the cycles, but it had to be on the order of 30 or more! I went through over 20 gallons each of sealer and top coat! I hope I never have a client (with enough money to spend) ever ask me to apply that finish again!


Mr. Walsh, again, youre talent is obvious, nothing needs to said,

I have one question, being a beginner and not understanding one thing about solid wood and veneers. Hope you have a second to answer this or someone else can.
If youre building solid mahogany, applying veneer(and that stuff was gorgeous) over glued up boards, it there any worry of wood expansion under the veneer that could possible damage the veneer with expansion and contraction?
Hope Im not out of line with this question.

geez marty, i forgot to ask about that question too ... or did i not see it right :huh: you did put crotch veneer over solid mahogany didn't you ? is there something i am not getting about wood movement :dunno:

Allen (and Jim),

One of the things that I went out of my way to do during this project was ACCOMODATE wood movement. Wood's gonna move...expect it, anticipate it, plan for it, and cross your fingers.

The crotch veneer was applied to the doors and lid. The substrate for the doors was 1/2" baltic birch. The veneer was applied (matched) to both sides of the substrate, so movement shouldn't be an issue. The substrate for the lid was a lamination of almost a dozen small strips of Mahogany, so it 'should' be pretty darn stable. And again, the crotch was applied to both sides. Movement shouldn't be an issue there either.

As for the remainder of the veneer, wood movement was planned for as evidenced by only gluing the fronts of the drawer dividers, the large loose sliding dovetail on the upper compartment, etc. Hopefully I made all the allowances I needed to so that the wood can move where it wants/needs to.

Again, you have to PLAN for wood to move. If you don't, you'll be dealing with repairs or rebuilds down the road.

Does that answer your question?

Thanks again to everyone for the kind words. Denise said y'all need to stop since my head won't fit through the doorways around here anymore! :rofl:

- Marty -

[Marty Walsh]

Up til now I've remained lurking in the shadows, but had to put my two cents in with everyone else's to let you know what an inspiration it is to see this project unfold and just to say "WOW"! Beautiful work...

Thanks Leif!

But get out of the shadows. Most folks around here don't bite...too hard...:rolleyes:

- Marty -

[larry merlau]

soooooo? does anybody have any input on the marty-n-tod roadshow?

you drive and they will come!!!!! you havnt started yet? tod and marty both you guys are well aware of your presence in this craft and if bill grumbine can go and make lectures and visits on turning you guys can do it on flat work and curve work and anything else that deals with wood you both have just as many credentials behind ya as the other folks going around teaching the craft.. go for it.. and if your close i will come,, shucks i already have just havnt had enough time yet to learn much:) :thumb::D

[allen levine]

Does that answer your question?

Thanks again to everyone for the kind words. Denise said y'all need to stop since my head won't fit through the doorways around here anymore! :rofl:

- Marty -

thankyou sir. Very clear now.

[Doug Shepard]

soooooo? does anybody have any input on the marty-n-tod roadshow?

Tod who?:huh:

Georgia's probably a bit too hot for me. Couldn't bear to leave all this snow behind:eek:
:D:D

[Frank Townend]

Tod who?:huh:

Tod spells his last name Evans.

[Doug Shepard]

Tod spells his last name Evans.

Oh - that Tod. Who's gonna feed the big dogs while he's gone?:D

[larry merlau]

if ya go to arkie ville you can get some cooler weather up in them hills..get away from that balmy coast line:D

[Ed Nelson]

Hey Marty! You do some pretty nice work!!!:thumb:

[Charlie Plesums]

...
It was far more of a marketing exercise. Plus it was made for a good friend of mine back in VA.
...- Marty -

I sure hope that friend also provided funds and not just a "Gee, Thanks."
...
Bill you're not the first to mention the idea of a book to me. As for the article, who do I market that to...and how?
...- Marty -

Fine Woodworking claims to be reader written, and seeks articles or proposals. I met editor Asa Christiana at the Kerrville show (see http://finewoodworking.taunton.com/item/2388/kerrville-show-corrals-best-furniture-in-texas ) and he is interested and approachable.

...
This actually brings up something that Tod and I have discussed. We've toyed with the idea of holding classes, at either (or both) of our shops. We could have classes on whatever folks want to learn about. We haven't gotten very far with the idea, cuz I'm not sure there would be enough of an audience that would be willing to pay to spend time with a pair of old hippies making sawdust...:huh:

We'd also both have to check with our insurance carriers to make sure we "could" do it and not risk our shops.
- Marty -

I have heard a typical figure of $500 per day for solo classes on whatever the student wants. David Marks does some of that, but with his TV fame, spends a lot of time on the road, doing classes at Woodcraft stores, etc. David's classes focus on a specific subject that the store can sell. See www.djmarks.com/classes.asp

I got tired of "helping out" strangers with "just a cut or two" in the shop so set a rate of $1 per minute for the 5 minute job that often becomes an hour. I am amazed at how much of that work I get. (A better rate might be $10 plus $1 per minute, to cover the 10 minutes I spend on the phone giving directions). I don't give lessons because I don't have a safe shop for a visitor, but I bet you would get a growing business if you offered...



Oh, and by the way, if that thing is limited to two letters, "IT," then is the review limited to two letters? "OK"

IT is great, and your tutorial is even better. Keep up the great work, and the great writing.

[Scott Turner]

Thanks... Now I am too embarrassed to post my projects.

Very nice work. Really nice shop too. I think you need to put a little dust or maybe a wood chip on the floor.

[Donald Stonecipher]

Just the level of work I dream to reach. It was really inspiring. It always amazes me that it takes at least the same or more time to prep and apply the finish as it did build it. Amazing shop too I might add. That definitely plays a role in producing that kind of work. Jigs....got to have them.:thumb:

[Westley Rosenbaum]

Wow <--- that pretty much describes it right there. Nice work that thing is amazing!

[Chip Charnley]

The only other issue I had was room. I need a BIGGER shop!

- Marty -

Can I have your old one when the new one is done? :rolleyes::eek::rofl::thumb: