Shawn Christ
12-24-2009, 5:13 PM
Just finished this up today for my mother-in-law for Christmas.
Nightstand made out of black walnut and designed to match an existing bedroom set she bought in the 60s. I was worried about shaping that handle but it was easier than I expected, thanks to my spindle sander.
The cabinet sides and back are plywood. The top, drawer, drawer supports, and bottom trim are solid black walnut. The solid wood had lots of color and appeared to be air-dried while the plywood was dull and colorless, due to the kiln drying I presume. I was pleased how well the colors blended after finishing, which consisted of boiled linseed oil (BLO) followed by three coats (four on top) of premixed amber shellac. Boy, that stuff is nice to work with and really makes the wood glow!
She asked me to make her a nightstand a year ago, but I think she has since forgotten about it. This should have special meaning for her because my father-in-law (her husband) was killed in a farm accident two years ago. This wood belonged to him; it was stored in his barn.
I am pleased with the finish but next time I may try to fill the pores just so the solid wood surface better matches the plywood surfaces. Not sure how to do that. I may try to add a coat of wax to the top to make it even smoother.
Nightstand made out of black walnut and designed to match an existing bedroom set she bought in the 60s. I was worried about shaping that handle but it was easier than I expected, thanks to my spindle sander.
The cabinet sides and back are plywood. The top, drawer, drawer supports, and bottom trim are solid black walnut. The solid wood had lots of color and appeared to be air-dried while the plywood was dull and colorless, due to the kiln drying I presume. I was pleased how well the colors blended after finishing, which consisted of boiled linseed oil (BLO) followed by three coats (four on top) of premixed amber shellac. Boy, that stuff is nice to work with and really makes the wood glow!
She asked me to make her a nightstand a year ago, but I think she has since forgotten about it. This should have special meaning for her because my father-in-law (her husband) was killed in a farm accident two years ago. This wood belonged to him; it was stored in his barn.
I am pleased with the finish but next time I may try to fill the pores just so the solid wood surface better matches the plywood surfaces. Not sure how to do that. I may try to add a coat of wax to the top to make it even smoother.