Harlequin side table: rounding the dovetailed ends

[Derek Cohen]

We left off with the drawer dividers a dry fit in the case ...


https://i.postimg.cc/y6LvMXL1/38.jpg


And then this was pulled apart and the case glued up. After a clean up, the ends were looking a little tidier ...


https://i.postimg.cc/dDPnV4p3/42.jpg


Now we've been through this together with the Jarrah coffee table, but for those who want to know how ...


The ends are marked (with a washer) ..


https://i.postimg.cc/tRZj7J8G/43.jpg


The aim is the remove the waste progressively to the lines ...


https://i.postimg.cc/sfkRWyRQ/44.jpg


This is quick to do with a low angle jack ...


https://i.postimg.cc/cJLqWLfj/45.jpg


.. and finish with a block plane ...


https://i.postimg.cc/8zH8x6fM/46.jpg


Now finish with sandpaper - 80/120/240 grit ...


https://i.postimg.cc/Wb0c6K29/47.jpg


The completed case ...


https://i.postimg.cc/4xZk85yX/48.jpg


I spent a few hours today turning a few legs. Rather than show the prototypes, I am hoping that I may have enough time to complete them tomorrow - I have the afternoon off! :) - and then I will post more photos.


Regards from Perth


Derek

[William Fretwell]

I’m liking the very solid look the table has. The front and end curves offset the sheer weight of the piece. Looking forward to how the legs work with it’s solidity.

[Derek Cohen]

Thanks William.

The roundness is aimed at introducing the feminine side. Also the softening by curves. The internal dividers are deliberately made half the thickness of the case so as to reduced their impact. The drawers that will follow are in different woods, but they are gentle in colour and their tones should co-exist well together.

I hope that I can do justice with the legs.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[James Pallas]

Looking very fine Derek. I kept thinking I had seen rounded dovetails like yours somewhere. I think I finally remembered. The old radio casework from the 1920s and 30s had those rounded corners. Some were veneered and some were just dovetailed. I've been looking for some examples. I think there was other furniture too with that Art Deco kind of styling. Your work with the curves reminds me of the Art Deco work. I like the curved work a lot. Keep it up.
Jim

[Christopher Charles]

Looks good Derek. I noticed in this series of posts how much influence the round-overs have on the overall appearance. The carcass boards look a bit heavy in the first picture in this post, particularly in relation to the dividers. However, to my eye that thickness is necessary to balance the rounded corners in the last photo. Well done!

Best,
Chris

[lowell holmes]

Show Off!!!

[David Eisenhauer]

Clean, crisp round overs from here Derek. Looking forward to the leg mate up with the carcase. I favor the slight-rounded-indentation-pocket-receptacle for the round legs to rest in, but interested in your problem-solve.

[Derek Cohen]

Looks good Derek. I noticed in this series of posts how much influence the round-overs have on the overall appearance. The carcass boards look a bit heavy in the first picture in this post, particularly in relation to the dividers. However, to my eye that thickness is necessary to balance the rounded corners in the last photo. Well done!

Best,
Chris

Actually Chris, the carcase sides are a thick 3/4”, which is quite a common dimension - it’s the dividers that are quite thin ... deliberately so. The aim is to ensure that they do not impose on the drawers. The rounded dovetails do soften the look of the carcase.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Christopher Charles]

Interesting, will look forward to seeing the completed cabinet visage.

Best,
Chris

[Tom Bender]

Lots of opportunity to affect the piece with your treatment of the front edge of the case.

[Jason Kamery]

So to not blow out the ends, did you plane from each direction in or did you clamp a sacrificial piece at the end?

Looks fantastic so far.

[Derek Cohen]

Thanks Jason.

The planing was from the sides inward only ... leaving no chance of spelching.

Regards from Perth

Derek