Wood Carving Bench
A library set in pyro-carving
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Wood carving bench project: The multitude of indifferently executed small articles
which followed the introduction of pyrography is beginning to disappear, people
are considering the art more seriously and applying it to more dignified uses.
Pyro-carving is one of the new methods of decorating furniture which is both
beautiful and practical, two qualities which do not always go together.
The library set illustrated consists of a table, 30 by
50 in., with two benches, 14 in. wide of the same length.
The supports are made of selected white pine, which must be absolutely
free from pitch. The pine is soft enough to work easily with the point
and stands wear much better than basswood.
The tops and braces of this wood carving bench project are made of curly fir,
all of the material must be 2-in. lumber, which dresses to about an inch and
a half. All surfaces, except the faces of the supports, are given a well-rubbed
coat of oil with a little burnt umber, the stain to be applied directly to the
wood without a filler.
On the outside of the supports the design is drawn in with pencil, the background
is then cut out smoothly with a chisel to the depth of an eighth of an inch,
leaving the decoration in relief. It is then burned deeply, the background in
straight flat strokes, the outlines having the effect of a sloping, dark edge.
The shadows are burned in as deeply as possible and the shading is put in with
the flat of the point.
A wax or egg-shell oil varnish finish is most suitable for this set.


A GRILLE WITH PEDESTALS TO MATCH
The accompanying sketch shows something unique in a grille that adds to the
appearance of a home furnished in mission style. When it is stained and finished
to match the furniture, it gives a consummate tone that would be difficult to
obtain by any other means.
To get the best results it should be made to blend with the furniture and the
arch in which it is to fit, in both weight and style. This will depend very
much upon one's preference, and for this reason full dimensions are not given.
No difficulty will be experienced, however, by anyone handy with tools, in making
it.
The material should be quarter-sawed oak, which can be secured planed and sanded
at the mill. For the grille order 1 by 1-1/2-in. and 1/2 by 1-1/2-in. stock.
The method of making the bars is shown in the detailed sketch. The two end bars
should be made of solid pieces, 3/4 by 1-1/2 in., with two rectangular slots
mortised in each to receive the supports. The supports should be just the right
length to go in the arch. To erect, slip the end bars on the supports, hold
the grille in place and fasten the bars to the sides of the arch with screws.
The size of the pedestals and the connecting pieces will depend upon the size
of the arch. These connecting pieces of the wood carving bench plan should be
well mortised into the post, and if you own your own home and intend the pedestals
to become a fixture, they should also be mortised into the sides of the arch.
If not, they may be fastened to the arch with blind screws. The amount of material
required will depend upon the size of the arch.
More Free Woodworking Projects
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