Mirror Image Demilune Tables

This past Fall, just after I completed my 'Hops' demilune table, I began design and construction of two more of the same type of table. These two, however, are to be exact mirror-images of each other, and stylistically will be Federal Period furniture... without any contemporary flair to them at all.

The wood I chose was African Cherry, or Makore- not a species commonly used for Federal Period furniture, but I had some excellent, flitch-matched and very wide boards that I wanted to use, so I decided they would work. Accent woods that I used include Ebony, European Holly, and Tiger Maple, and I may still throw in some African Bloodwood for some aspect of the inlay.

One difficulty I've run in to is that early-on I decided to use as little machinery as possible in the construction of these tables. That has lead to many, many hours of tedious hand-work, that I am just not certain is 'worth' it. I fashioned the tools I used according to time-tested methods, but the work is insanely monotonous, and the toll the work takes on the tools is apparent. Another issue is the fabrication of the banding to be used on the tables... this is a process that takes time, patience, and attention to detail in order to fabricate a quality banding.

Currently, I'm working to complete the grooves for the inlay in the eight legs, to complete the final stage of the banding in preparation for inlaying into the lower portion of the apron, and deciding on the best layout for the table tops themselves. One wouldn't think that these items would cause so much consternation, but getting it 'right' is a one-shot deal... no take-backs are afforded here!

Here are some photos of what's been happening so far: FYI, if you 'double-click' the image, a larger set of photos appears in a new window; Close the window to return to the main page.

The authenticity of the process...

Ebony knobs held in a pin vise for final sanding - not lathe turned



Haunched stub-tenons help strengthen the joint



Complex joinery strengthens the cabinet and allows panels
to move seasonally



Carved wooden 'knuckles' allow a hinge
to operate smoothly



Hide glue - a strong, reversible, and natural way
to construct furniture


I have no formal training in woodworking. As a wedding gift, my wife Mindi sent me to Patrick Edwards' American School of French Marquetry, in San Diego, where I learned the basics of Boulle marquetry (as seen on the left leg of my 'Hops' table). Next to this, my best 'education' comes from reading every issue of Fine Woodworking Magazine, which I've done since about Spring of 2000. Needless to say, outside conversation about process, design, construction, and finishing are hard to come by.

I've included these photos to illustrate what I consider to be 'authentic' processes. Opinion about what is 'authentic' is wide ranging, and my point here is not to continue that conversation. I merely want to show potential clients, friends who don't live near me, and other woodworkers how I build furniture. My methods of construction are in line with the other Furniture and Cabinetmakers I feature on the title page of my site... not surprising.

My goal is beautiful furniture that will last a lifetime. My hope is that these processes will help ensure this.