Thread: Ran out of time! Work to date ...

Well if QC is happy, that's all that matters! I wonder if the outlaws will like and ask to take the custom built piece back home with them ? ? ?

I think there is only a small percentage of us woodies that can work in a commercial environment, the rest work to our own timetable and the pleasure in doing so is it's own reward

Look good Derek, especially doing everything by hand.

I can understand your frustration with your own speed, Derek, but work of that quality can't (and shouldn't) be rushed. (And don't forget Hofstadter's Law: Everything takes longer than you think, even when you take Hofstadter's Law into account.)

Even incomplete, it looks great. I'm assuming that the jarrah handles would match the diamond-shaped inlays; strikes me as a nice idea provided they aren't too large. Perhaps a narrow (and fairly shallow) rectangular profile, with a recessed finger grip in the side, would work.

Anyway, please post pics of the finished job!

- Michael

I agree with you Derek, they look a bit bland.

Perhaps a compromise of thin Jarrah edges on the Tassie Oak handles.

Hi WB

The design for the handles is actually very difficult - complicated by the inserted diamonds which threaten to create a clash of shapes.

Anyway I have an idea, one which I can only try out later. In my mind it works. This is to turn a couple of small, round Jarrah knobs. They must be small in diameter, perhaps about 15mm across so that they do not compete with the diamonds. Long is OK, so the image I have is something along the lines of a Shaker knob.

Just an idea a present. I am open to all others.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Interesting problem, what about a diamond shaped jarrah handle, same size as the diamond inlays, just split down the middle with half on each door. Then make the draw pulls diamond shaped jarrah as well.

Not sure what you have in mind for the mirror but maybe the motif could be carried over in the mirror frame.

Anyway, congratulations on getting it done in time. The discussion of the finishing detail can always be a talking point to entertain the guests.

Regards
Ray

Hi Derek I see what you mean about the handles they just look wrong ide stick with jarrah but make them very under stated or it will drew the eye away from the inlay. The tasse oak just docent work and are to big. I was fortunate enough to speak to Alan Peters about design in furniture over the last couple of years ( Alan Past away 11 October last year i am sher you wight have his book Cabinetmaking a professional approach ) your problem reminded me of something Alan had mentioned once if you cant find the right look don't use one just make a small finger pull some were hope this helped

Originally Posted by kats1719

Hi Derek I see what you mean about the handles they just look wrong ide stick with jarrah but make them very under stated or it will drew the eye away from the inlay. The tasse oak just docent work and are to big. I was fortunate enough to speak to Alan Peters about design in furniture over the last couple of years ( Alan Past away 11 October last year i am sher you wight have his book Cabinetmaking a professional approach ) your problem reminded me of something Alan had mentioned once if you cant find the right look don't use one just make a small finger pull some were hope this helped

Hi kats

Alan was an amazing artist in wood. I have a DVD on his life and work that was completed just before his passing by Jeremy Broun (furniture maker and film documentarist). I am waiting for the re-print of his book to come out.

Your comments about Alan's solution ideas are very reassuring. These tiny details make or break a project. I wrote about that quite recently. Without having read Alan on this issue, it is good to know that I am on the right track (or, at least, a track that could be right).

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek

Alan Peter's book has been available for a couple of months, I got a copy at :
Cabinetmaking: The Professional Approach (Paperback) By (author) Alan Peters ISBN 13: 9781933502267 at The Book Depository

On the handles, I agree that what you currently have does not fit with the design. I would suggest either a slim triangular shaped handle fitted on each door. Or a triangular shaped recess cut into each door, or half in each door either centred to form a triangular pattern with your other two inlays, or in line with the inlays. By cutting through the door you could fit an inlay in the back to match the other inlays.

regards & enjoy

Agree with all above, Derek - the soft round shape of the handles just doesn't cut the mustard. Looks like a pair of misplaced ears. (Not to be too harsh, but I get the feeling they aren't working for you, either, & friends should be honest! )

The sharp lines & contrast of the inlays have created focal points, & when your eye moves to the handles, you see soft curves & blended wood, creating a clash of cultures. If it were my project, I'd be trying an angular shape, not diamonds, as I think that would look gawky, but certainly straighter lines. When you are happy with the shape, I would suggest making them in both the same wood as the inlays as well as Ash, then asking the minister for war & finance to decide which is better. Depending on the final shape, matching the inlays might balance nicely, or it might be better to make them less obvious. This is one of the best things about rolling your own furniture - you can get the details right, & who cares how long it takes?

Just my 2c - it is a fine piece of work in every respect.

And I would not get too upset by the time it's taken, as someone else said, this is therapy, not punishment. The Maple desk I recently "completed" took far longer than your armoire! In fact, I was going to say - lookout for the "Good, it's useable, will finish it off when I get time" syndrome. It tends to have an insidious onset, and an extremely chronic course! My desk needs a hanging file drawer and a gallery, but it's now in use & I hope it doesn't have to wait too many years for them...

Cheers,

Hi Basil

Thanks for the heads-up on Alan Peter's book. I have just placed an order.

And both Basil and Ian,

Yesterday I made up a couple of different shapes. The two that I was particularly looking at were a Shaker knob and a rectangle "diamond-ized" with clipped corners. The diamond was the one the family thought correct.

When the family leave I will have a chance to try it out, and I'll post pictures.

Regards from Perth

Derek