Shaker Inspired Media Cabinet
Posted: Mon May 05, 2014 5:42 pm
Here is a project done using my Shopsmith 520, its jointer and band saw accessories, a DeWalt 735 planer, and hand tools. It is a shaker inspired media cabinet from solid cherry, except for the panels which are a crotch cherry veneer over plywood, and for the back which is ship lapped poplar. The starting material was 4/4 rough cherry which I milled to 3/4 inch boards that I edge glued with spring joints into panels for the sub-top, the two sides, the bottom, the top and a shelf. The sub-top is joined to the sides with hand cut half blind dovetails. The crotch veneer was softened overnight with an alcohol, water and glycerine mixture, yellow glue was applied to both the veneer and the substrate and allowed to dry, then the veneer was applied to the substrate with a household iron set to a pretty high temperature. The crotch veneer was very gnarly but only one small crack (not noticeable without a real close look) developed and the system cooled - lucky really. Should probably have used a more conventional approach. Anyway, some fine woodworkers look down at Shopsmith equipment but it is possible to turn out some really fine furniture.