Pat Germain
07-20-2007, 8:32 PM
After a long hiatus, I recenlty started to get back into woodworking. I've learned much from this forum and wanted to pass along a big "Thank you". Also, since folks on SMC seem to like pics, here are a few happy snaps of my first real project since "retooling".
LOML told me she wanted something to hold my daughter's baskets, books and nick-nacks. Her specifications were, "Low, wide and I want it stained dark". This didn't give me much to go on, but I found a plan for an 'Under the Window Bookcase' online. I don't like the proverbial "brown blob" look so I decided to try something two-tone.
I modified the plan a little. It called for using pre-made molding and trim. I decided to make my own so it wouldn't look like I just tacked on pre-made moulding. This bookcase is made from 3/4 birch ply and 3/4 red oak: both from my local Borg. The back piece is 1/4. It's also birch, but the color came out different than the 3/4. Since I'm just learning, I didn't feel it necessary to buy higher quality stock on this go 'round.
At first, I wasn't sure this project was going to turn out very well. As it came together, I was pleased. It actually looks better than I would have expected. How often does that happen? :)
For the finishes, I stained the oak trim with General Finishes 'Black Cherry' I literally had sitting on a shelf in my garage. I then gave it three coats of General Finishes Seal A Cell followed by Top Coat Oil and Urethane. The Seal A Cell gave the birch a nice, slightly amber color. I really liked that stuff and plan to use it again.
LOML told me she wanted something to hold my daughter's baskets, books and nick-nacks. Her specifications were, "Low, wide and I want it stained dark". This didn't give me much to go on, but I found a plan for an 'Under the Window Bookcase' online. I don't like the proverbial "brown blob" look so I decided to try something two-tone.
I modified the plan a little. It called for using pre-made molding and trim. I decided to make my own so it wouldn't look like I just tacked on pre-made moulding. This bookcase is made from 3/4 birch ply and 3/4 red oak: both from my local Borg. The back piece is 1/4. It's also birch, but the color came out different than the 3/4. Since I'm just learning, I didn't feel it necessary to buy higher quality stock on this go 'round.
At first, I wasn't sure this project was going to turn out very well. As it came together, I was pleased. It actually looks better than I would have expected. How often does that happen? :)
For the finishes, I stained the oak trim with General Finishes 'Black Cherry' I literally had sitting on a shelf in my garage. I then gave it three coats of General Finishes Seal A Cell followed by Top Coat Oil and Urethane. The Seal A Cell gave the birch a nice, slightly amber color. I really liked that stuff and plan to use it again.