Category Archives: 7-Methods

At the Altars of Flat, Smooth and Texture

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Greg Merritt

I’ve been working wood off and on for well over two decades now.  Since day one I’ve worshiped at the altars of flat and smooth.  Everything I read and saw told me that finished surfaces should be just that, flat … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools, Finishing | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

HB Tansu #3-Progress 1

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Greg Merritt

So the boy has decided that the tansu has some utility and has requested that I build one for him.  So I agreed.  Since he will be moving out in a few short years I thought an ultra-portable option would … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Hillbilly Tansu-002 | Tagged , | 12 Comments

Chinese Gate Bench-Design Notes

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Greg Merritt

I thought I would take some time and discuss a few key points pertaining to the structural design of the Chinese Gate Bench.  I designed this project from the ground up utilizing photos of antique benches and filling in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Chinese Gate Bench, Design | Tagged | 4 Comments

Chinese Gate Bench-Progress 3

Posted on February 14, 2015 by Greg Merritt

Progress continues despite the frigid weather.  My little oil-filled space heater is getting a real workout.  I started my day by chopping and sawing the joinery in the remaining two legs.  After I finished that, I tackled the short end … Continue reading →

Posted in Chinese Gate Bench, Design | Tagged | 8 Comments

Chinese Gate Bench-Progress 2

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Greg Merritt

As promised or threatened, depending on how you look at it, I have completed the formal proportional drawing for the Chinese Gate Bench.  When I design a project I first establish the controlling distance/dimension.  In this case, the height of … Continue reading →

Posted in Chinese Gate Bench, Design | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Chinese Gate Bench-Progress 1

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Greg Merritt

I’ve been kicking this project around for a while.  I’m not sure why, just other projects kept moving this one down the list.  We actually could use a bench here at the house by the front door and, besides, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Chinese Gate Bench, Design | Tagged , | 23 Comments

Hillbilly Mini Tansu-Progress 9-Complete

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Greg Merritt

I woke up Saturday morning and changed my mind.  I was originally going to finish this project with Tried and True oil.  But I decided to go with clear shellac.  The entire mini tansu already had two coats of BLO … Continue reading →

Posted in Finishing, Hillbilly Inlay, Hillbilly Mini Tansu-000 | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments

Hillbilly Mini Tansu-Progress 8

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Greg Merritt

Success!!!…depending on your standards.  The small drawer in this little cabinet just about broke me over.  I made three, three, sets of sides and back for this thing.  Every error, no matter how small, is magnified when working at this … Continue reading →

Posted in Hillbilly Inlay, Hillbilly Mini Tansu-000 | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Hillbilly Mini Tansu-Progress 5

Posted on January 24, 2015 by Greg Merritt

Slow and steady best describes my progress thus far.  Which is a good thing, I think.  There is absolutely no reason for me to be in a hurry and the process is much more enjoyable with the slower pace.  I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Hillbilly Inlay, Hillbilly Mini Tansu-000 | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Hillbilly Mini Tansu-Progress 4

Posted on January 20, 2015 by Greg Merritt

Wow…I like working in the house.  It’s warm, the bathroom is right down the hall, the kitchen is close and it’s WARM.  I may have to move the workbench into the living room for the rest of the winter.  I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Hillbilly Inlay, Hillbilly Mini Tansu-000 | Tagged , | 3 Comments