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Federal Style Knife cases

Federal Style Knife cases (post #155756)

jays on Sun, 08/22/2010 - 17:57 (updated 08/22/10 - 08:49)

Knots Gallery

This is a pair of Federal style knife cases, modeled closely after the one on the rear cover of FWW. They are pine core and veneered with crotch maogany on the tops, and curly ribbon mahogany on the other surfaces. The inlays are satinwood. The demilunes are shaded in hot sand and the string inlays are maple and ebonized sycamore. One box has been modified to hold serving pieces and the other holds silverware. I omitted the custom made sterling silver latches. The finish is French polish. I also added a lip on the top and bottom of each box to conceal and compensate for minor discrepancies in shape between the boxes and lids, which could not be adjusted on veneered surfaces. The sideboard was an older project from about 10 years ago.

Jays, Very fine work! I (post #155756, reply #1 of 8)

by bduffin104 in reply to jays [original] on Sun, 08/22/2010 - 18:33

Jays,

Very fine work! I don't know much about period furniture but I'm assuming this is a reproduction or at least similar to an authentic Federal era piece.

When were the Federal style pieces built originally? What is a demilunes? Do you make your own veneers? How is a French Polish done?

Sorry about all the questions. I'm sure some of the other responders can help me out too.

Thanks, Bret

questions (post #155756, reply #2 of 8)

by jays in reply to bduffin104 [original] on Sun, 08/22/2010 - 20:25

As I mentioned it is modeled after a set from the FWW back cover, done by a Mr. Steve Lash, and also described in an article in the American Society of Period Furniture Makers journal. I believe he designed it from measurements of various historical pieces from the late 1700s, but it is not a copy of a specific piece. Demilunes means half moons, which are the interlocking "c" shaped designs on the front panels.

I do sometimes re-saw veneers but these were all commercially made. French polishing is a whole subject that has been discussed at length and you can find these discussion in the archives of Knots, as well as in FWW articles. Basically it is a padded on shellac technique using pumice dust to fill pores and polish.

stunning (post #155756, reply #3 of 8)

by bones in reply to jays [original] on Mon, 08/23/2010 - 06:50

All I can saw is WOW! Very nice and the finish is excellent! (love the piece those are setting on as well.

...For that old machine lovers: http://vintagemachinery.org/home.aspx

Primo.... (post #155756, reply #4 of 8)

by SARGEgrinder47 in reply to jays [original] on Tue, 08/24/2010 - 07:52

Primo....

Sarge..

Woodworkers' Guild of Georgia

Woodworkers Guild (post #155756, reply #5 of 8)

by jays in reply to SARGEgrinder47 [original] on Tue, 08/24/2010 - 09:35

At some ppoint I have to get over to one of your meetings. I just haven't had time. I live in Sandy Springs. Where and when are they held? Thanks.

Jay

Second Monday of each month.. (post #155756, reply #6 of 8)

by SARGEgrinder47 in reply to jays [original] on Tue, 08/24/2010 - 11:44

Second Monday of each month.. usually at Wood-craft of Roswell which is close to you (I'm in L'ville which is about 15 miles) even though it will vary on rare occasion. The next is Sept. 13 there.. Pre-meeting 6:30-7:30 PM .. Flattened End Grain Cutting.. Reg. meeting 7:30 - 9:00.. Minature Vintage WW Tools.. Web-site www.woodworkersguildofga.org if that helps.. There are occasional meeting on Sat. morn at various places as Atlanta Hardwood.. etc..

Come on over....

Sarge..

Woodworkers' Guild of Georgia