Philadelphia Slab Table

[Calvin Hobbs]

Well, I have not posted very much on SMC, much less any finished projects. The truth is the finished projects have been few and far between.....

But, I recently had some nice pictures taken of a table I finished in 2010. It is modeled after a table I saw in a Winterthur publication(The Downs book for reference). The original was from Philadelphia, made in the Chippendale style, so I tried to carry through the character of the original, even though this was not an exact reproduction.

This was my second piece with carved ball and claw feet, and I think these were MUCH better than the first set. The carved moldings were fun to do. By far the most difficult portion was the carving on the knees. At this I just think I need to keep practicing.

I was proud that my Dad showed this table at his presentation at the SAPFM annual dinner when he accepted the Cartouche award last week. Congratulations Dad!

Wood: Walnut and Red Oak (back rail and interior bracing)

Finish: Aniline Dye and shellac

Dimensions: 48” L x 34” H x 22” D

Top: Granite

Photos: Jim Mathis, Overland Park KS

Thanks everyone for checking it out. I look forward to your comments. Cal

[Dave Anderson NH]

Very nicely done Calvin. You did a great job on the gadrooning on the aprons. I was really happy to meet you and your brothers in Williamsburg last week. I already knew your Dad of course from previous years. It was great to see him receive the Cartouche award and it was well deserved. I had no idea he had produced anywhere near as much work as the numbers indicated. It places a whole new meaning to the word prolific.

[Frank Drew]

Very nice, Calvin, thanks for posting your pictures. And, yes, I'd say that you're getting a handle on ball and claw feet .

[Jerry Olexa]

Excellent work, Calvin...As always...The carving results are outstanding!!! Thanks for showing..

[Bruce Page]

The whole piece and in particular the ball & claw and knee carving is exceptional!

[Jeffrey Makiel]

Cat's meow!!!!

Well done. This work appears to have required craftsmanship.

Nice post,
Jeff

[Jim Becker]

Beautiful work, Calvin!

[gary Zimmel]

Real nice work Calvin.

[Ben Arnott]

Very nice work Calvin. Inspiring!

Ben

[Cody Colston]

Beautiful work, Cal.

I watched the in-progress pics but now that I see the professionally taken photos, it looks even better...a really fine piece that shows off your craftsmanship very well.

Congratulations to your dad on winning the Cartouche award.

[Mike Cozad]

Beautiful work. The legs and feet are outstanding.

[Calvin Hobbs]

Thanks guys for the comments and especially for recognizing my Dad for the award. Enjoyed meeting you as well Dave, and hope to see you next year.

For those out there who carve, what are some tips to "rub out" the carvings, take away the shiny spots and highlight the carving with a glaze or some other method? As you can see I struggled with that.

Thanks again, CH