Basket Weave using plywood edging
Layout
Sanded
1 coat of Sanding Sealer
2 coats of Sanding Sealer
I should have written a blog on this with the plywood samples, but - Oh Well!
This is a basket-weave effect using edge-cut strips of 1/2" Baltic birch plywood. The background is poplar, chosen specifically for its green tint for contrast. I think the lines made by the plywood layers adds to the "interruptions" where one strip appears to go under the other. It's a stronger pattern than just straight grain wood.
Step 1 was cut the dados for the basket-weave pattern. To get an idea of what the spacing could be like, there are two different spacing dimensions used. This actually gives 3 patterns - narrow X narrow, narrow X wide, and wide X wide.
Step 2 took the most time - measuring and fitting in the thin (1/8" thick) edge cut strips into the basket weave pattern. I found that I cannot reliably cut strips much thinner than that without damage to them on the table saw.
Step 3 was to take the strips back out, keeping them laid out in the basket-weave pattern, and then brush glue into the dados, and back of the strips and press them into place.
Step 4 Sanding the glued plywood down to match the surface of the poplar. Then I went a trifle further to make sure that everything was smooth and flat.
Step 5 Blow out all the dust and fill any cracks and crevices with putty, then let dry. Then sand again - this time to a finish level 150 grit.
Step 6 Two coats of poly sanding sealer, rubbed down in between.
My wife asked what it was for - so I told her, it was practice before I try this on a project I care about. Producing prototypes/examples of anything I consider possibly tricky has allowed for many "learning experiences" with minimal pain on the actual intended project. As I told her - "We can always use another trivet"
If anyone has other decorative ideas by using something a little unconventional - Post It!!
I should have written a blog on this with the plywood samples, but - Oh Well!
This is a basket-weave effect using edge-cut strips of 1/2" Baltic birch plywood. The background is poplar, chosen specifically for its green tint for contrast. I think the lines made by the plywood layers adds to the "interruptions" where one strip appears to go under the other. It's a stronger pattern than just straight grain wood.
Step 1 was cut the dados for the basket-weave pattern. To get an idea of what the spacing could be like, there are two different spacing dimensions used. This actually gives 3 patterns - narrow X narrow, narrow X wide, and wide X wide.
Step 2 took the most time - measuring and fitting in the thin (1/8" thick) edge cut strips into the basket weave pattern. I found that I cannot reliably cut strips much thinner than that without damage to them on the table saw.
Step 3 was to take the strips back out, keeping them laid out in the basket-weave pattern, and then brush glue into the dados, and back of the strips and press them into place.
Step 4 Sanding the glued plywood down to match the surface of the poplar. Then I went a trifle further to make sure that everything was smooth and flat.
Step 5 Blow out all the dust and fill any cracks and crevices with putty, then let dry. Then sand again - this time to a finish level 150 grit.
Step 6 Two coats of poly sanding sealer, rubbed down in between.
My wife asked what it was for - so I told her, it was practice before I try this on a project I care about. Producing prototypes/examples of anything I consider possibly tricky has allowed for many "learning experiences" with minimal pain on the actual intended project. As I told her - "We can always use another trivet"
If anyone has other decorative ideas by using something a little unconventional - Post It!!