Double bead

[Mark Rainey]

This top of chest of drawers from late 18th century seems to have double bead profile along end grain and front curved edge grain. I do not think profile was scraped - does anybody think I could scrape end grain well? The pieces from the 18th century I have recreated have attached moldings tenoned on the sides instead of being cut into end grain. I think this profile was carved. Opinions?426117

[Mel Fulks]

Mark, I think some of us are wondering if the question is theoretical or practical. I think it was probably carved first .
Then smoothed by shaped scraper and "horse tail" plant and or other natural abrasives.

[Warren Mickley]

I think the end grain portion was carved. A scraper would make a mess of the end grain. It is possible that the long grain portion was scraped or it could have been carved as well.

I use a back bent gouge for this work.

There are two styles of gouges: some carvers like to have a small bevel in the flute and some like to have a straight flute. If you have gouges with a straight flute, you must use a back bent gouge. If you have a flute with an inside bevel (not talking incannel gouge, just a tiny back bevel), you may have enough clearance to negotiate these curves, but I don't think so.

[Tom M King]

Was the graining applied to that top? Do you have another picture, looking down on the top? Who says it was from the 18th Century-just curious? The picture raises some questions, but may just be the lighting.

[Mark Rainey]

Thanks for the expertise gentlemen! The piece is at Winterthur They say the date is 1790 to 1800. I also have a recreated version I saw on another forum, where the bead was probably routed. But I would like to stick with hand tools if possible.426127426128

[Mark Rainey]

I think the end grain portion was carved. A scraper would make a mess of the end grain. It is possible that the long grain portion was scraped or it could have been carved as well.

I use a back bent gouge for this work.

There are two styles of gouges: some carvers like to have a small bevel in the flute and some like to have a straight flute. If you have gouges with a straight flute, you must use a back bent gouge. If you have a flute with an inside bevel (not talking incannel gouge, just a tiny back bevel), you may have enough clearance to negotiate these curves, but I don't think so.
Warren, it just so happens I have a couple of Pfeil back bent gouges ( I used on my tall case clock 2 years ago after visiting the Columbia clock and watch museum ) 426132

[Tom M King]

I was hoping it was just the picture. Something about the first picture made it look like the top was multiple edge joined boards, but then the figure matched across them. Gorgeous piece, and worthy of copying!

[Mark Rainey]

Thanks for the expertise Warren, Tom, Mel... things worked out ...the end 426489426490426491grain was carved, the front long grain was carved and scraped with my shop made scraper.

[Tom M King]

Wonderful!!!

[steven c newman]

Might start looking for a Stanley No. 66, with all the cutters? There was also a "Hand Beader" as well...

[Ron Bontz]

Just beautiful. Nothing else to say.

[Jim Koepke]

Just beautiful. Nothing else to say.

Have to agree, great work.

jtk

[Frederick Skelly]

Thanks for the expertise Warren, Tom, Mel... things worked out ...the end 426489426490426491grain was carved, the front long grain was carved and scraped with my shop made scraper.

My gosh that's a beautiful piece!

[Phil Mueller]

That’s exceptional, Mark. We all have an appreciation for the craftsmanship...making the curves (all the same I might add), the veneering, and even the cockbeading are all challenging. Really well done. Please share when the finish goes on.

[Mark Rainey]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I am going to put a finish on soon & will share a picture when complete.

[michael langman]

That is some beautiful work Mark! Can't wait to see the finish.

[Mark Almeidus]

Nice work, and neat idea with the scraper.

[Christopher Charles]

Agree with all above that the piece is a stunning design and your execution is top-notch. Please do post pics of the finished piece.

Best,
Chris

[Todd Zucker]

Simply gorgeous.

[Mark Almeidus]

Mark. Found similar piece on instagram. Like yours also restored. Thought it was you at first but it has 3 drawers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tXywQovbi/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tXywQovbi/)

[Mark Rainey]

Thanks Mark. It looks like the molding on it is carved also.

[lowell holmes]

Make a special cutter for one of these.

https://www.rustmag.com/gear/2017/9/26/scraper-planes

[Robert LaPlaca]

Beautiful work Mark.

[Mark Rainey]

Beautiful work Mark.
Thanks Robert