The last month has been busy. I planned last year to do most of my projects in the slower winter months, but my shop isn’t insulated which causes more warpage in the wood than I had expected.
I have been spending most of my time on two projects. First was a custom cabinet I was asked to make. The customer had been unable to find anything to the size they wanted that wasn’t pressboard “junk”. They also asked that there be no vertical support between the doors to allow for easier access.
I decided to use small pieces of reclaimed lumber to make a patterned top which took a bit more work but was worth it. With the side, back, and lower shelves made with single sheets and cut to fit inside the frame. The colors were picked by the customer but I did recommend adding a clear epoxy for the top to show off the patterned wood.
The second project that has been getting loads of time and work is a dining room table. It was ordered to a specific size 8×4 ft. The wood and stain selection was custom (although there is a shortage of selection lately).
I started with unfinished lumber and have spent a lot of time planing (smoothing the surface) and jointing (fitting the edges that meet so there isn’t cracks). Then I was able to start to peg and glue the boards together into a table top and apply a stain. I am satisfied with the results so far.
These two projects, given their collective size, have occupied both workshop space and time. As I continue to progress, we will be making decisions about insulation and timing for woodcraft projects. But for now, I’ll continue to make do with what is available.