Closet Project
Well I am still in Ohio, and I am working on one incredible project. It is an entry closet for the house I built with my brother, which is not far from where I grew up.
No Ordinary Closet
This project takes the ordinary and ubiquitous closet to a whole new level. This is not made of sheetrock and 2×4’s. It is of black lacquered panels and veneer with artistic lines and custom copper handles. The doors have a 70-30 split and feature hidden hinges that open 180 degrees. They are 8’ high hollow core doors that I had to make myself.
Where you will see it all:
http://gallery.mac.com/toddclippinger#gallery Click on the album “Cooper Closet.” You are free to look at anything else there too.
Understand This:
There currently are currently 195 photos on 2 pages. A few people have failed to realize that there is more than one page and missed some of the photos. I add photos daily. This is primarily for the clients to see my daily progress, but you can see it too. By tomorrow afternoon there will be three pages.
What You Will See
This is woodworking minutiae. If pictures say a thousand words I have written volumes here. The woodworking enthusiast will see the design stages through construction glue ups, vacuum pressing, door making, veneering, and dye work is the latest. There are only simple statements for the titles. There is not room to get wordy.
Nerves of Steel
Yes, I ran into trouble a couple of days ago when a caul stuck to my veneer. This type of work is not for anyone with a weak constitution. One screw up would mean a do-over that could buy a good used car. If I fall on my face here it will be in full view of the public.
It’s not a “Talkie”
These are just digital shots in the shop but they are real and taken everyday. I have not advanced to video yet. Quite honestly this project would be too overwhelming to edit at this time.
Here is a peek-
Here is the basic view of the project.
Here is an action shot from today.
And the final shot at the end of the day.
Call Me Lazy
I just don’t have time to do a full blog on it. I know how you guys are for gleaning information from photos. That has been a good bit of my education. Right now I am just working my butt off to get back to my home in Montana, I am starting to turn into a Buckeye!
I hope you enjoy the photos. There is a download icon you can click if for some reason you find anything of particular interest.
Once again click on “Cooper Closet” at this link http://gallery.mac.com/toddclippinger#gallery.
One More Thing
There is one album that shows various views of the outside of the house including some really cool night shots that I took. You have to check those out.
Peace, Love and Woodworking
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
18 comments so far
dennis mitchell
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2914 posts in 765 days
posted 268 days ago
That door alone is stunning. The whole project must be a real jem!
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
Todd A. Clippinger
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2533 posts in 550 days
posted 268 days ago
Oh it’s a gem alright!
I am so thankful for these clients. They have given me a lot of work, but what I value the most is that they have challenge me beyond my limits on every project. I have matured as an artist because of them.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Karson
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12736 posts in 851 days
posted 268 days ago
And they are willing to let you learn on their dime. Great customers. Great looking closet.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com
Dorje
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1738 posts in 447 days
posted 268 days ago
Wowzers!
-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA
shaun
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360 posts in 356 days
posted 268 days ago
I’m not sure that “lazy” would be one of the adjectives I used to describe you Todd. Now that I’ve spent a half hour oogeling the construction, you realize that you’re morrally obligated to post the finished product here.
-- I've cut that board three times and it's still too short!
miles125
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899 posts in 456 days
posted 268 days ago
That is an awesome project. You go dude!
-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""
snowdog
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593 posts in 433 days
posted 268 days ago
WOW! You must have nerves of steal :) With big projects come big headaches. It looks like everything is working out well. Good luck, go slow and keep posting.
-- "so much to learn and so little time"..
MsDebbieP
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11646 posts in 611 days
posted 268 days ago
ah… “wow” !!!
amazing; amazing; amazing!
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Brad_Nailor
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704 posts in 408 days
posted 268 days ago
Great work Todd….that is going to be one of the niceist closets I have ever seen. Beautifull work, but I wouldn’t expect to see anything but from you!
-- Women love me.....trees fear me
Thos. Angle
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3244 posts in 413 days
posted 268 days ago
Great blog, Todd! I can see a vacuum system in the near future. Your work and Lee’s are sure an inspiration to the rest of us. This project is one of the best of its type on this site. thanks for sharing your skills and knowledge. I sure hope you get home to Billings pretty soon. Winter in Ohio is not inviting. When you get home and go skiing at Red Lodge, give the Big M a hello for me.
-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon
Mark Mazzo
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291 posts in 363 days
posted 268 days ago
Todd,
Awesome work on the closet and the house!
-- Mark, Webster New York, Visit my website at http://thecraftsmanspath.com
Sgt_Lobo
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87 posts in 309 days
posted 268 days ago
This is why you are “the Master” Todd, and why people like me flock to be your understudies! A can’t even imagine the pressure that must come when working with clients willing to spend that kind of money and expecting those kinds of results… I put myself under too much pressure as is making “free” boxes for my parents. I’d fold…
-- Sgt_Lobo -- Montgomery, AL
Russel
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1214 posts in 390 days
posted 268 days ago
Not much more to say than has already been said, but I just had to add my WOW! to the bunch.
-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.
mrtrim
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1524 posts in 331 days
posted 267 days ago
mr clippinger this looks like another american craftsman classic ! you do some wonderful work my friend
-- if you aint the lead dog the scenery never changes
Todd A. Clippinger
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2533 posts in 550 days
posted 267 days ago
Thanks guys.
I hoped that you would be able to glean ideas and an understanding from the posted photos. I may have to cover it in more detail later.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Blake
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1876 posts in 325 days
posted 267 days ago
Geez Todd, ur soooo lazy.
Actually I’m just stoked that you take the time to humor us “little people” and share your amazing world with us.
”...WE’RE NOT WORTHY…”
You’re my hero. Thanks for the peek.
-- Dust collectors suck.
Todd A. Clippinger
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2533 posts in 550 days
posted 267 days ago
No Blake, I am the one not worthy. I just want to share with others so that they may be inspired to work to a higher level for themselves.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Grumpy
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4905 posts in 302 days
posted 267 days ago
Thats some project Todd.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python