mike holden
01-18-2008, 3:24 PM
Since there seemed to be some interest in the Working Wood in the 18th Century Conference at Colonial Williamsburg, I decided to share my impressions of the event.
The topic this year was Tools, Toolchests, and Workbenches.
Presenters included:
Jay Gaynor, director Historic Trades at Colonial Williamsburg
Jane Rees, Author of "1797 The Tool Chest of Benjamin Seaton"
Kaare Loftheim, journeyman cabinetmaker, Colonial Williamsburg
Mack Headley, master cabinetmaker, Colonial Williamsburg
Christopher Swan, Conservator, Colonial Williamsburg
Ted Ingraham, planemaker
Marcus Hansen, journeyman musical instrument maker, Colonial Williamsburg
Edward Wright, journeyman musical instrument maker, Colonial Williamsburg
Ted Boscana, journeyman carpenter, Colonial Williamsburg
Garrett Hack, furniture maker, author
Roy Underhill, author, host of the "Woodwright's Shop"
Asa Christiana, editor Fine Woodworking
Sunday started with presentations on what might be found in a cabinetmaker's chest and the various types of decorations to be seen inside the lids.
Monday morning was the history of the Benjamin Seaton chest followed by demonstration of its construction and layout. The Seaton chest is important in that it is the only chest from that period that not only has almost all its tools, they are in an almost unused condition, and there is a bill of sale from the tools purchase, and a letter from Seaton explaining when he began and finished building the chest.
This was followed by a quick presentation on the Mathews tool chest, owned by Williamsburg.
Afternoon was a demonstration and discussion of wooden planes. Ted Ingraham all but finished a molding plane in two hours, while describing how and why!
The day ended with a quick discussion by Mack Headley on the design and layout of 18th century furniture.
Whew!
Tuesday continued with the construction of the Seaton chest and the veneering was demonstrated. Ovals, banding, hot glue and all.
Ted Boscana gave an overview of a carpenters chest and how it differed from a cabinetmakers.
Afternoon Garrett Hack spoke on Workbenches and Roy Underhill demonstrated ways of making wooden threads
Evening was the banquet, Garrett Hack spoke again, this time showing his work and the pieces of classical furniture that inspired them.
Wednesday was a presentation on Gentlemen's Tool Chests, followed by the construction of the 1773 Hewlett chest.
Afternoon was Garrett Hack finishing up on workbenches and inlays. Mack Headley wrapped things up with a discussion of tools for curved work.
Great time was had by all.
79538
79539
79540
79542
79541
Mike
The topic this year was Tools, Toolchests, and Workbenches.
Presenters included:
Jay Gaynor, director Historic Trades at Colonial Williamsburg
Jane Rees, Author of "1797 The Tool Chest of Benjamin Seaton"
Kaare Loftheim, journeyman cabinetmaker, Colonial Williamsburg
Mack Headley, master cabinetmaker, Colonial Williamsburg
Christopher Swan, Conservator, Colonial Williamsburg
Ted Ingraham, planemaker
Marcus Hansen, journeyman musical instrument maker, Colonial Williamsburg
Edward Wright, journeyman musical instrument maker, Colonial Williamsburg
Ted Boscana, journeyman carpenter, Colonial Williamsburg
Garrett Hack, furniture maker, author
Roy Underhill, author, host of the "Woodwright's Shop"
Asa Christiana, editor Fine Woodworking
Sunday started with presentations on what might be found in a cabinetmaker's chest and the various types of decorations to be seen inside the lids.
Monday morning was the history of the Benjamin Seaton chest followed by demonstration of its construction and layout. The Seaton chest is important in that it is the only chest from that period that not only has almost all its tools, they are in an almost unused condition, and there is a bill of sale from the tools purchase, and a letter from Seaton explaining when he began and finished building the chest.
This was followed by a quick presentation on the Mathews tool chest, owned by Williamsburg.
Afternoon was a demonstration and discussion of wooden planes. Ted Ingraham all but finished a molding plane in two hours, while describing how and why!
The day ended with a quick discussion by Mack Headley on the design and layout of 18th century furniture.
Whew!
Tuesday continued with the construction of the Seaton chest and the veneering was demonstrated. Ovals, banding, hot glue and all.
Ted Boscana gave an overview of a carpenters chest and how it differed from a cabinetmakers.
Afternoon Garrett Hack spoke on Workbenches and Roy Underhill demonstrated ways of making wooden threads
Evening was the banquet, Garrett Hack spoke again, this time showing his work and the pieces of classical furniture that inspired them.
Wednesday was a presentation on Gentlemen's Tool Chests, followed by the construction of the 1773 Hewlett chest.
Afternoon was Garrett Hack finishing up on workbenches and inlays. Mack Headley wrapped things up with a discussion of tools for curved work.
Great time was had by all.
79538
79539
79540
79542
79541
Mike