Category Archives: 7-Methods

Hillbilly Tansu-000 and it Begins

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Greg Merritt

Now that I have all of the pertinent joinery worked out and detailed, its time to tackle my first design.  This first iteration of the Hillbilly Tansu will be like most of my other projects, functional, clean lines and simple … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Hillbilly Tansu-000, Illustrating | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Hillbilly Tansu Handle Rail

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Greg Merritt

Some, not all, but some, of my intended chest designs will require handles for lifting.  I could go the standard route and purchase handles.  Where’s the fun in that?  So I’ll be creating my own, much along the same lines … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Illustrating, Knot Tying | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Hillbilly Tansu Marking Gauge

Posted on July 20, 2014 by Greg Merritt

While working through the design elements of the Hillbilly Tansu I paid particular attention to how the joinery was laid out.  The last thing I wanted to do was create something that would require multiple gauges and several different tool … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Hillbilly Tansu Joinery | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Hillbilly Tansu Side Bearer

Posted on July 20, 2014 by Greg Merritt

So I’ve shown the front and rear bearers now I ‘ll show how I plan to connect the two.  The joinery is really very simple.  A full length groove and two stub tenons.  These pieces will complete the enclosure of … Continue reading →

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Hillbilly Tansu Rear Bearer

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Greg Merritt

Directly opposite of the front bearer in the Hillbilly Tansu is, you guessed it, the rear bearer.  This element of the assembly will tie the two rear posts together and provide attachment points for the side bearers and the dust … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Hillbilly Tansu Joinery | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Back on the Grid and a Carcass Laid Bare

Posted on July 10, 2014 by Greg Merritt

The power company has me reconnected to the grid.  It’s amazing how dependent I am on electricity.  It’s a little scary, actually.  But that is the life we live now.  Anyway, glad to have the electrons flowing again. I thought … Continue reading →

Posted in Design | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

It’s the Last Things

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Greg Merritt

It’s always the little things that make the difference.  One last pass with the plane can turn an OK surface into a pristine one.  One last thin shaving can make a tight tenon fit perfectly.  In this instance its one … Continue reading →

Posted in End Tables, Finishing | Tagged , | 12 Comments

End Tables Part 13 – Done!

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Greg Merritt

  Whew!  These tables are now moved into the done column.  This has been a long and drawn out build for me and taxed the confines of my small shop.  I actually had to move the bases into the house … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, End Tables, Finishing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

End Tables Part 12

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Greg Merritt

Heat index of 89F and 68% humidity for the last two days.  So I put on my big boy pants, tied a bandana around my head and went to work in the shop.  In short, it sucked!  But I did … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, End Tables, Finishing | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Hillbilly Tansu Sliding Door Grooves

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Greg Merritt

While researching antique tansu I found several examples that incorporated sliding doors. There is something about sliding doors that gives an item that Japanese feel.  Plus I like them.  Sliding doors just seem to make more sense to me than hinged … Continue reading →

Posted in Hillbilly Tansu Joinery, Illustrating | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment