| Project by bvdon | posted 881 days ago | 2990 views | 21 times favorited | 17 comments |  |
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I decided I would make a simple bench for the in-laws mountain house. While thinking of what to make I stumbled on a picture of a Japanese Timber Bench at TRC Timberworks. So much for that simple bench ;)
There were no plans or really any specifics on the TRC website, so all I had to go by was the picture.
Then as luck would have it I found a guy on Craigslist selling 21 feet (three tongue & groove logs) of cypress that was leftover from a log cabin build, as well, a stack of cypress siding (with a log profile).
I didn’t have quite enough material to build the same size as in the photo, but no reason not to try and come close.
The logs were milled to size, planed, then shaped with the bandsaw. Leg pairs (two back, two front) were clamped together and belt sanded for a perfect, smooth match. I also milled the log profile panels and laminated them to create the seat. For added strength and longevity, I drilled four 14inch holes front to back and glued in 1/2 inch dowels. (next time, I will use a slab—as per the picture of the original).
No screws at all—all wood joinery throughout.
I sanded to 220 grit, and finished with “Super Deck” Waterproofing Stain & Sealer, #2901. One coat and you’re done. Should be refinished at three year intervals if kept outside.
Here’s the finished project…. see photos.
This was the first project that made extensive use of my MiniMax MM16—I just love this machine.
I also used a cheap Japanese Pull Saw (from HD) that cuts through dowels like butter. I was surprised at how nicely it worked. Apparently these are highly appreciated tools to those in the know—great for dovetails from what I hear. A very clean, accurate, splinter-free cut with just a few pulls.
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17 comments so far
Jamie Speirs
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3684 posts in 1028 days
#1 posted 881 days ago
Nice that size looks very balanced.
jamie
-- Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own. --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Grant Libramento
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161 posts in 1151 days
#2 posted 881 days ago
Very elegant. The curves really enhance the design.
-- Grant, Tryon, NC
woodworm
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14104 posts in 1762 days
#3 posted 880 days ago
Very impressive in design and undoubtedly strong in build.
Great work Don!
-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.
PurpLev
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7764 posts in 1820 days
#4 posted 880 days ago
nice work. looks stout and elegant at the same time
-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.
rivergirl
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3200 posts in 1010 days
#5 posted 880 days ago
Lovely bench, and you did replicate the other one very well! I bet that bugger is heavy!
-- Homer : "Oh, and how is education supposed to make me feel smarter? Besides, every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain."
Wayne Precht
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47 posts in 2088 days
#6 posted 880 days ago
Beautiful. I really like the in harmony with nature feel of the timber construction. Well done!
-- --- Wayne.
BillyJ
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622 posts in 1375 days
#7 posted 880 days ago
Awesome bench. Looks very sturdy. Nice work.
-- I've never seen a tree that I wouldn't like to repurpose into a project. I love the smell of wood in the morning - it smells like victory.
TheGravedigger
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963 posts in 2196 days
#8 posted 880 days ago
I really like the look – very graceful for its mass. Very much like the Japanese would do. Very nice.
-- Robert - Visit my woodworking blog: http://littlegoodpieces.wordpress.com
489tad
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993 posts in 1183 days
#9 posted 880 days ago
Yes, post more pictures. make sure you get a close up of the carving. Very nice job.
-- Dan I.G.N.
bvdon
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454 posts in 1187 days
#10 posted 880 days ago
Will do…. the carving was purchased on eBay by this seller
Pictures coming shortly.
-- http://woodwork.me
TopamaxSurvivor
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13194 posts in 1848 days
#11 posted 880 days ago
Awesome!!
-- "some old things are lovely, warm still with life ... of the forgotten men who made them." - D.H. Lawrence Wake Up America!! Please read; http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/01/26-0
Monty Queen
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1568 posts in 1424 days
#12 posted 880 days ago
Wow, I love it. Awesome job, great craftsmanship.
-- Monty Q, Columbia, South Carolina.
~Julie~
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526 posts in 1206 days
#13 posted 878 days ago
Great workmanship, style, everything!
LOVE. IT.
-- ~Julie~ followyourheartwoodworking.blogspot.ca
SgtSnafu
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956 posts in 1443 days
#14 posted 856 days ago
Great looking bench. You were quite fortunate to find cypress, it is a very good outdoor wood.
Thanks for sharing
-- Scotty - aka... SgtSnafu - Randleman NC
Bertha
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13115 posts in 865 days
#15 posted 856 days ago
Absolutely spectacular. Love the beefy joinery. That’s a project that you have to sequence your assembly carefully!
-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog
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