About a month ago now
an email arrived in my inbox from Rhys asking if he could come down to the
workshop here in Billinudgel, NSW to discus some pieces of furniture that he
has designed and wanted made. He brought along with him a proto type and after getting a clear
understanding on what exactly Rhys wanted, I was ordering in the materials and
sharpening the teeth on my saw blade. Eager to start such an enjoyable job.
The stools and bench
seat he has designed are made of two components. The steel leg fitting and
Tassmainen Oak. He wanted a timeless look but also matched with endless
durability, And by incorporating the steel component into the turned hardwood leg
he has achieved both strength and the aesthetically pleasing looks he was after.
The turned leg fits seamlessly into the steel component and sits neatly against
the circular seat. His partner, Kristie also helped with the design element by
giving an nod of approval when choosing the white paint and matt lacquered
finish.
Using 100% locally sourced
Silky Oak and Australian Red Cedar I wanted to create a sideboard that was
simple in design yet paid tribute to age old details and joinery techniques
that have sadly been forgotten in today’s mass-produced lifestyle.
Every joint you see here has been
carefully crafted by hand. Millimeter by millimeter I have cut, chiseled and
shaved the wood to a perfect fit as you can see on the half blind dovetail and
angled mortise and tenon. Not too many people these days are doing this kind of
work so I felt compelled to continue a tradition I believe in so strongly.
I have also incorporated a Blum soft close
runner system on both drawers which is usually used on drawers that have a
false draw front, however, as these drawers are traditionally made with the Red
Cedar front dovetailed to the Silky Oak sides, it created new difficulties to
achieve such a smooth pull & retract motion.
The silky oak used for carcass has been grown and milled in the hills behind Mullumbimby and all came out of the
one tree. I have joined the two pieces together to create a book matched effect
and mitered the ends to emphasise the continuous grain.
Enjoy.
