Project: Black Walnut Natural Edge Bench

[tod evans]

nice work jim!

[Jim Becker]

BTW, is that a FOR SALE sign on the CLEAN lathe????

Nice try...no cigar. I was spraying finish on Sunday, so the place got swept (into the floor sweep) and then vacuumed for the first time in oh, about six months...including the lathe . But I can "fix" the "clean" problem very quickly the next time I get to work in the shop.

[Jim Becker]

Great looking Project Jim. Reminds me of a table a friend did with a huge slab of Pear he found at Williard Brothers a few years back.

Hmm...I haven't been there in a long while. But I have a few very nice 5/4 by 13" wide cherry boards I bought from them in the rack...the price was right during one of their October "inventory" sales! I used to buy most of my lumber from them, but once I discovered Simmie in Lambertville, I don't head down to Willard that often. But you know, when I think about it, the tiger maple board I used for the candle stand I just finished may have come from there, too...or from Hearne. I don't remember!

[Greg Narozniak]

Hmm...I haven't been there in a long while. But I have a few very nice 5/4 by 13" wide cherry boards I bought from them in the rack...the price was right during one of their October "inventory" sales! I used to buy most of my lumber from them, but once I discovered Simmie in Lambertville, I don't head down to Willard that often. But you know, when I think about it, the tiger maple board I used for the candle stand I just finished may have come from there, too...or from Hearne. I don't remember!

Never been to Simmie, actually I have never heard of it. I saw in one of your previous posts that an appointment will be needed. Next time I head to a friend's house in New Hope I will have to try and check it out. Might be a chance for a visit to Casa de Becker as well

[Dave Shively]

Jim,
For a "no plans, no drawings" project, I think it is and will turn out fantastic.
Seeing how it was "junk" wood anyway.

Dave

[Jim Becker]

Greg, you really should get a visit with Simmie some Saturday morning. Schedule permitting, I'd be happy to meet you there, although that would force me to make a stop at the ATM on the way... (He's cash only and I just can't go there without bringing something home, if you know what I mean...

And yes, a 'Creeker visit is a nice idea should "the addition" ever let you have some free time.

Seeing how it was "junk" wood anyway.

Indeed. One man's junk is sometimes another's pot of gold...

[Mark Cothren]

What a beautiful bench, Jim! It may be a simple design, but it looks great!

[Jim Becker]

I finally "finished the finish" on this project last weekend and put the bench in service during the week...strangely enough on our anniversary. So maybe I need to call it the anniversary bench, but that might be silly...

At any rate, the deed is done. The finish is BLO, several applications of shellac over the whole piece and a number of coats of Target Coatings gloss USL on the top. Given it's intended purpose will likely result in wet clothing coming into contact with the top as boots are removed, etc., the acrylic top coat made sense.

Here are the final pictures:

bench-1.jpg

bench-2.jpg

[John Miliunas]

Hey, that came out right nice, Jim! That is a wonderful looking chunk o' Walnut, too. Looks to be right at home there. Nice job, Mr. Becker!

[Matt Meiser]

Very cool bench. Looks great against the background of its new home.

[Roy Wall]

always good to get a project done........no matter the time frame.

Looks great and in a perfect location too!

[Jason Tuinstra]

Jim, very nice! The walnut looks silky smooth and is certainly easy on the eyes. Nice job all the way around.

[Ted Calver]

Great piece Jim! That finish gives it a really rich looking color.

[Jerry Olexa]

nice looking jim!!! that'll look good in your home....

[Zahid Naqvi]

Great job, goes really well with the brick floor.