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.
