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Project Information

Woods used: Zebrawood
Finish: Oil/Varnish Blend

This bench was really an experiment in power-carving. Using a grinder outfitted with an Arbortech blade, the long graceful curves were carved into the legs and the top. The legs were attached to the top using a large open mortise and tenon joint. To further secure the joint, two screws were driven through the tenon and into the seat top. Wenge caps cover the screw heads. All edges were eased and finessed with a cabinet-maker's rasp.

Gallery

Comments

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Marc

Wow, that zebrawood is a knockout, (in a word) fantastic. How stable is that bench?
 

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No longer are my projects good enough.

No way can I put the stuff on here that i was settling for before.
 

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Glad to see you posted some projects. They all look great.
 

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Great design, Very nice lines, with beautiful wood. It looks good enough to sit on with comfort.
 

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I'm sorry … work like that makes me want to scream "Get your fat ass off of that !!!!"

I can't help it. It's too nice to sit on.

I'm really sorry to be talkin like that, but … that's how I feel.
 

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Very nice. This reminds me of one of David Mark's small asian style benches he shows on his t.v. show. I like the proportions, and the details, such as the wood pegs. I did a couple of sculpted walking canes in Zebra Wood a couple of years ago, and I remember that "wet dog" smell, and how hard it was and how easily it fractured and split. Despite it's nuiances, it is a beautiful wood in that finish. Nice Photography as well.

I've been contemplating the purchase of an arbortech with an angle grinder, for sculpting like what you are showing here. If you get time, you might write up a tool review of it on the Forum. I promise you, more woodworkers will find your website if you post a tool review on something as popular as the arbortech cutter that can be searched an located from search engines. And, it will be good to get a review on record from someone that uses the tool, not just gets paid to write about it.

I enjoyed seeing this project, thanks,
Mark
 

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isn't this beautiful!! And I'm with Obi-don't sit on that- it's a piece of art!!!

The lines of the wood and the lines of the seat are very mesmorizing. (as if I needed something else to keep me connected to the wood).
 

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I saw David Mark's bench last week, now this beautiful bench. So Now I've added a bench to my project list.

Thanks, Marc. Beautiful!
 

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But it's too nice not to sit on! (just sit very still, and don't scratch it!)
 

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Thanks for all the kind words everyone! David's bench was definitely the seed of inspiration that led to the design of my bench. Good eye. :)

Its actually very sturdy, partly because its just so heavy. But no one really sits on it anyway. It just hangs out in the corner of the dining room as a decorative item. Maybe I will start sitting on it while I drink my morning coffee. But where the heck do I put the laptop??
 

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Hey it's yours, you've earned the right to park your … well, sit whereever you want. And for anyone else … Remove all objects from your pockets, remove your belt, and use this pillow and you can only sit there for a few minutes. And you must first leave a $1,000.00 deposit if you wish to sit.
 

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that is an awsome design i love it. good job marc. if i were to sit on that particular bench i think i would prefer to sit with my butt crack on the peak of the crevice rather then in the center hahaha. but thats just me. i recently worked with zebrawood and loved the way it looks after a naturaul finish what did you use?
 

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Glad this one popped up again. A very nice bench, the design as well as the wood grain. Seems you can use Zebrawood for more than just pens!
 

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Marc: When I looked at the legs attaching to the top, I first thought of a sliding dovetail on the leg so that you would get a wedgeing action if there was any movement at the joint.

Great looking bench. What is the thickness of the Zebrawood.
 

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Nice to see this one come back around in pulse. Nice bench, mark.
 

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That's funny Obi… and all to true. "No you cannot eat at this table. That's what the sink is for. This is not a table, it's art!"
 

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Thanks for the kind words again guys. To answer your question Karson, the the zebrawood is just 8/4 stock.

Take care everyone.

Marc
 

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Marc,

Just got my hands on some nice purpleheart. This is a possible project. What are the dimensions?
Thanks
Woodtimes
 
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