Thread: Blackwood Display cabinet

Paul - looks ok in the photos.
Very few of the things I made in my early days were up to my current standards, but I thought they were passable at the time, and every job is a learning expereince for us weekend-warriors. Just try not to make the same mistakes again, though you probably will - some lessons seem to need re-enforcement.

I still manage to make mistakes, mostly when venturing into territory where I've not been before. However, if it's any comfort to you, I managed to make the most idiotically basic blunder, a couple of months ago. I cut on the wrong side of the line on a whole set of dovetail pins. I have cut so many dovetails I don't bother marking the waste - it's automatic, the way I do them, but this time I was busy talking to my better half, and not concentrating at all. I couldn't believe my eyes when I noticed what I had done.....

One suggestion I would make on your job. It loks like you don't have any restraint on the top front corners on the sides of the bottom unit, other than that board ascross the middle of the top? You might have some irritating problems with the sides cupping & straightening with the seasons. I would have used two boards at front and back, half-blind dovetailed into the top of the sides. The ply? back will hold the sides & give plenty of sheer-bracing, but those front corners look a bit abandoned.

On to the next challenge....
Cheers,

Hi
Yes you are right about the corners. Good advice. This project took me well and truly outside my comfort zone. Having said that it has given me a huge boost in confidence to have a go at other projects. In the last two months I have also ventured into scroll sawing thanks to some excellent training by a local scroller, Neil Schulz. This was also a baptism of fire but I have something hanging in the lounge that I am very proud of. See below.
Box making is also an area I am just getting into.

But in my view furniture is by far the hardest area for me.
This forum is absolutely great for advice and support from others.
Cheers
Paul

Very nice indeed
Did you cut the veneer yourself? If so, what thickness? (I am looking at making something similar to house my collection of prison officer's hats).
Ta mate,
Grant.

Hi Grant
The veneer was purchased as 6mm plywood. I have not done veneering myself but need to for my next project. It is display boxes made of walnut for IIWW medals. I have bought the veneer which is 1 mm.
Cheers
Paul

They look great Paul.
I have always liked the design and blackwood is a favourite.
There is a lot of woodwork in the project so now that you have finished it you should have plenty of confidence.
Congratulations.

Originally Posted by Scally

They look great Paul.
I have always liked the design and blackwood is a favourite.
There is a lot of woodwork in the project so now that you have finished it you should have plenty of confidence.
Congratulations.

Thanks Scally
I hope to add another few layers over time. In your opinion is veneered MDF stable enough for the sides? Found that solid timber is not doing the bank balance any good at all.
Cheers
Paul

Very nice work. For the errors that you have so g enerously posted no big deal. This is the way we learn. Next time you will know what to look for.

Lets not see you in this forum SAFETY - Woodwork Forums other then that keep doing and keep learning.

Love the scroll saw work.

Excellent. I like the understated knobs too.

All good Paul!

Love the timber, love the design. forget the errors. We all make them.

Hi Paul
There are a lot of advantages to using dead flat veneered mdf.

I think it would be fine for the sides.
MDF doesn't have the same strength as solid timber for shelves. You need to add support along the back or front edges if they are going to hold heavy books.

Norm from the New Yankee Workshop uses a lot of veneered mdf for his cabinet work so that is a good recommendation.