PDA

View Full Version : Sitting bench build



Brian Holcombe
10-08-2014, 11:04 AM
This is a bench I'm building for outside to sit my bonsai trees on, so I'm using white oak and building it using mostly interlocking joinery.

The planks for the top have been edge jointed, glued and face jointed, they're set for finish planing next week.


The stretcher has been jointed flat on all sides and this is where the excitement starts, the outside joints are going to be captured by a through mortise locked with a double dovetail pin.


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/7A774BD6-F047-4CA9-A0AC-CA3ACAF5B076_zps0xmcl5fv.jpg


The design is a modified version of a very early work by George Nakashima.


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/793BCB24-B077-4999-96A9-D57C067D251F_zpswclat9l9.jpg


This is the major modification, in making this 6ft long I needed to add a center support leg, and to capture the leg in the stretcher I will be using a combination of fixed and wedged supports.






http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/56AF0072-30A2-48FA-A00D-B5F033A6749A_zpss9l39jhr.jpg


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/2E9E954E-44C3-4386-BE41-84A76A510471_zpsbspxnjaa.jpg


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/08350ED8-1299-4D7E-AA31-BF12A74E2EBF_zpsy3vsxvpi.jpg


Shaping the fixed support.

Mortising for the center support:


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/55559418-BBF6-478F-AD34-9E5108D88941_zpsqr283bmp.jpg




http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/ADCC321D-089E-4339-862F-2453258E6758_zpsj0u3yzx9.jpg


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/B3615968-FCAE-486A-B1C2-7A50255F5C23_zpsrq8qhaka.jpg


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/AAF434E8-DD50-4136-A5F8-26382D6FD2CE_zps6sb3ioqv.jpg


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/A17781B5-D280-4F58-AA9C-CF5602514D64_zpshudbrer0.jpg


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/EC916E63-A75A-424A-9A83-BC9433AD69BA_zpsugejghsg.jpg


This will also allow me to tighten up the center leg without disturbing the outside legs.


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/562575C8-8A2C-4368-B013-E727AE0992E7_zpsiftuiwrm.jpg


I will probably also pin the fixed support.

Prashun Patel
10-08-2014, 11:10 AM
Your joints are so clean and pretty. I aspire to that!!!

Pretty tools. What brand of chisel and rasp are you using?

Watching with relish.

Malcolm Schweizer
10-08-2014, 12:12 PM
LOVE the joinery, and also thank you for posting the build. Looks great.

Steve Voigt
10-08-2014, 3:41 PM
Every time you post one of these build threads, the joinery is impeccable. Can't tell much about the design yet, but I expect it will be as clean and elegant as the other stuff I've seen. Seeing your shop photos always brings a smile to my face.

I think, though, that you need to trade in some of those primo brand tools for some vintage junk, and spend the proceeds on beer. :p

Jim Matthews
10-08-2014, 5:33 PM
You're banging through mortises in 8/4 White Oak?

That takes a brass set O' Clank.

Brian Holcombe
10-08-2014, 9:17 PM
Thanks Prashun! The rasp is by Auriou and it cuts like a dream. I have a couple rasps by them and they are incredible. The chisels are Lie Nielsen (hornbeam handles) and Blue Spruce (African blackwood).

Thanks Malcolm!

Hah, thanks Steve, not a chance I will be turning these in, even for the right single malts :p I actually do own a vintage woodie, but it is truly ancient and I'm terrified to ruin it.

Jim, you aren't kidding! I knew when I skipped my plane over the board on the first cut that this stuff was going to be a bear.

Tom Bussey
10-09-2014, 8:52 PM
Very, very nice work

Brian Holcombe
10-10-2014, 7:59 AM
Thanks Tom!

Andrew Kertesz
10-10-2014, 8:05 AM
Your work and threads are always impeccable... I'd like to see some pictures of your bonsai. I tried once but didn't have any success other than to kill them off.

Jim Koepke
10-10-2014, 11:14 AM
I'd like to see some pictures of your bonsai. I tried once but didn't have any success other than to kill them off.

I have heard that called, "the finished state" by practitioners of bonsai.

My wife has done some bonsai. It is very labor intensive. She hasn't had the time lately to do a lot.

jtk

Brian Holcombe
10-10-2014, 1:20 PM
Thanks Andy!

My trees are all work-in-progress, but these are my best;
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/12FF1C4D-C333-43F4-A648-053D879E5BDF_zpsw0so9qun.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/F1DCED8C-6AFD-48D0-91FF-02F03522C52E_zpsbstv8hqj.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/BC591256-7283-432E-9C63-4CFF6003EC6E_zpssr7p5rqd.jpg

I have a bunch of Japanese black pines, a shimpaku juniper, and a procumbens that are all at the beginning stages.

And here are the tools:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/FF6A5497-ABEE-47BD-A6D1-F5D0369D55CF_zps0x36wai9.jpg

Andrew Kertesz
10-11-2014, 6:23 AM
Those are great looking bonsai. What are the ages?

Brian Holcombe
10-11-2014, 8:45 AM
Thanks! I'm not sure of the exact ages but they're about 10-15 years.

I have some pines I'm working on that are in training, so they're in big colander style containers to thicken the trunks and grow the roots. One I put in the ground so it will either stay in the ground or become very large bonsai (4' tall).

Jim Koepke
10-11-2014, 9:19 AM
Those are some very nice bonsai.


One I put in the ground so it will either stay in the ground or become very large bonsai (4' tall).

Reminds me of some trees where we used to live. There is some public land along what is called the El Sobrante ridge. The soil is very poor in some of the area. There is a rare type of manzanita that grows in only one other place. There are also a few oak trees. There are a few very old stunted oaks. One of them is only about 5 feet tall.

I have trouble even growing dwarf fruit trees.

jtk

Brian Holcombe
10-11-2014, 11:49 PM
Thanks Jim!

Most of the classical styles are modeled after trees like the ones you mentioned, old trees that have lived a tough life. Some were actually collected from the mountains, but originally it was only those who mastered the craft that could dig up those from the mountains and train them into pots. Now it's a bit more common.

Brian Holcombe
10-14-2014, 7:49 PM
It should start becoming clear what my design looks like in this post. The dovetailed key through tenon is completed in both sides;


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/CF5CDC51-7FCD-4BF0-9030-ECF881B654AE_zps6x42gl3r.jpg


The center upright support is complete;


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/92651CEB-EB48-44A0-8637-790A11111C96_zpsphfu2o2e.jpg


And here is the fixed side, I cut a groove to clock the support at 90 degrees.


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/03F3977F-406F-4E96-84BD-614C2C6F5C7A_zpso5d6vums.jpg


The top is next and I'll be starting with the wedged through tenons very soon;


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/D83DFC5B-7B58-412E-9A2A-60577F3D07BB_zpso85hoele.jpg

Pat Barry
10-14-2014, 8:36 PM
It should start becoming clear what my design looks like in this post. The dovetailed key through tenon is completed in both sides;

Brian, I like your work. The projects are interesting and challenging. You do a nice job with craftsmanship as well.

Brian Holcombe
10-14-2014, 10:28 PM
Thanks Pat!

Brian Holcombe
10-22-2014, 7:39 PM
Cruising right along, this part becomes a bit difficult as the top must have everything fitted before it's applied, and since I'm splitting the tenons to wedge them I'll have to prepare that first as well. The glue up is going to be quite tricky.


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/F313EB73-F6E6-4C69-B6E9-AF516240B19F_zpsone2zeqy.jpg


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/A16092D7-D72E-40DF-A3FD-59A8593E395F_zpsmmyboa5x.jpg


These are fun...


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/DC52BDE7-0E20-4F3B-A9FC-78672A3EFB35_zpsvmrz4upw.jpg


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/4C6FE4D4-0196-409B-9EA7-D031F8EA0E07_zpsjg1qgyo5.jpg


Test fitting the tenons.


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/47E2A183-DAE1-40A0-AE7E-7195DF9AE315_zpsae19hgqp.jpg


Hehehe. My wife rolls her eyes when she sees all those tools.

Mel Fulks
10-22-2014, 7:47 PM
Some fine precise work there ,I don't think there is ROOM for glue.

Brian Holcombe
10-22-2014, 10:45 PM
Thanks Mel!

Brian Holcombe
10-27-2014, 8:11 PM
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/54BAC1CD-8108-4D71-886E-768DD852BFBB_zpsydckqmvv.jpg


http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/F6AD0408-4D1B-4AB2-A9F5-208435A1FD7A_zpsc8plbok2.jpg

Malcolm Schweizer
10-27-2014, 8:40 PM
Perfect! Love the grain and contrast.

Brian Holcombe
10-28-2014, 8:15 AM
Thanks Malcolm.

Interesting how easily it shows even though it's the same wood. I had briefly debated using mahogany for the wedges but then decided not to.

Christopher Charles
10-28-2014, 1:43 PM
Looking great. Your carpet brings a smile every time I see it...

Cheers,
C

Brian Holcombe
10-28-2014, 8:29 PM
Hah! Thanks Christopher.

Here's more and I should have some completed pictures tomorrow;

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/13DEA5D7-2061-4D8C-BBDC-25FD6331EB81_zpsrcwpfrrh.jpg

Brian Holcombe
10-29-2014, 10:09 AM
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c181/SpeedyGoomba/A16C07C7-2780-4F4B-89BD-5476141375B8_zpsdwerxu7k.jpg

Adding stainless feet next, but it's mostly complete. My varnishing leaves something to be desired so I will be working on that today.

finishing is the most loathed part for me. I had been tempted to leave it unfinished, but figured a coat if varnish would help the end grain areas maintain themselves for a few years.

Prashun Patel
10-29-2014, 10:32 AM
It's gorgeous. Except, you shouldn't put it outside; it's too nice.
I love your dovetail treatment.

For varnishing, I would consider a wipeon/wipeoff of Watco Teak Oil. It's easy to replenish and goes on satin. Don't ruin your perfect - i mean perfect - bench by coating it in a thick varnish that will peel and crack.

David Weaver
10-29-2014, 10:45 AM
Nice tight work, Brian! Seriously tight!

Brian Holcombe
10-29-2014, 10:57 AM
It's gorgeous. Except, you shouldn't put it outside; it's too nice.
I love your dovetail treatment.

For varnishing, I would consider a wipeon/wipeoff of Watco Teak Oil. It's easy to replenish and goes on satin. Don't ruin your perfect - i mean perfect - bench by coating it in a thick varnish that will peel and crack.


Nice tight work, Brian! Seriously tight!

Thanks Fellas! I have a feeling my wife is going to beat me if I leave this outside, so it may be repurposed very rapidly and replaced with some stone blocks and steel stands.

Christopher Charles
10-29-2014, 12:39 PM
Beautiful lines and I agree that an oil finish would be most fitting. I'm sure that your wife will find the perfect place for it :)

C

Brian Holcombe
10-29-2014, 12:52 PM
Thanks! Hah, without fail. I used waterlox on it, which is basically a wiping varnish. I call it varnish.

Steve Voigt
10-29-2014, 2:43 PM
Brian, that is gorgeous. You never fail to impress me.
Even with a protective finish, the weather and UV radiation will take a serious toll on that piece. White oak is reasonably weather resistant, but not like redwood or ipe are. Oil will look nice, but cover it with an exterior varnish or something if you want it to last outside.

Jim Koepke
10-29-2014, 2:46 PM
Very nice.

I will not let my wife see this or she will want me to build one.

jtk

Brian Holcombe
10-29-2014, 4:24 PM
Brian, that is gorgeous. You never fail to impress me.
Even with a protective finish, the weather and UV radiation will take a serious toll on that piece. White oak is reasonably weather resistant, but not like redwood or ipe are. Oil will look nice, but cover it with an exterior varnish or something if you want it to last outside.


Very nice.

I will not let my wife see this or she will want me to build one.

jtk

Thanks Gents! Steve, looks like my wife wants this one inside and repurposed, lol, so I am off to search for a new solution for my trees. She too does not want to see it weather, but I take that as a compliment.

Pat Barry
10-29-2014, 7:47 PM
Thanks Gents! Steve, looks like my wife wants this one inside and repurposed, lol, so I am off to search for a new solution for my trees. She too does not want to see it weather, but I take that as a compliment.
You have been presented with a unique opportunity!! Maybe Cypress???

Brian Holcombe
10-29-2014, 10:38 PM
Lol! I may build some individual stands using steel columns and plate. There will be a bit of TIG welding involved if I take that route.