This was a unique and challenging project. The client wanted a portable podium that he could easily load in the trunk of a car and take to speaking engagements around the country. The total weight could ne=ot exceed 50lbs. The design challenge was not in making a collapsable podium, but rather one that didn’t look like it was about to collapse.

The top attaches to the base with knobs that fit into threaded inserts in the top rails of the base. The hinged lid also stores the mic cables. Overall, it’s a very sturdy podium that doesn’t look collapsable. He’s very happy with the results.

Walnut, quartersawn white oak, and quartersawn white oak plywood.

I’ve been in a box making mood lately, just trying to use up some good scraps and have some fun before I start a big kitchen remodel next week.

Zebrawood and wenge work well together (in my opinion) and the bloodwood accent stands out. My wife doesn’t care for the bloodwood, however. I also stuck with tight-fitting, but irregularly spaced box joints rather than dovetails. I thought dovetails might be too much with the slanted sides.

Your thoughts are welcome.

Sorry for not posting more often, but here’s a recent project.

Kind of a rushed wedding present. Wish I’d had an extra week to finish, but I guess we all see our own mistakes more easily than others

Primary wood is Claro walnut, resawn, bookmatched. Also features flame & birdseye maple, with bloodwood accents and drawer handles.

I made this music stand for an old friend’s 50th birthday. The bent-laminated arc, shelf, and legs are native Iowan walnut. The tines are maple with walnut splines at the joint. The feet are curly maple. I used brass rod to secure the tines and to pin the legs.

I have a total of about 60 hours on the stand, much of that time was spent building jigs.

I want to point out that this is not an entirely original design. I saw something like it years ago, but can’t recall where. I’m not sure how close this is to the original. I’ve looked through all my old magazines and books, but couldn’t find it.