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Project Information

Mirror project finally done!

The outer, main part of the frame is 3" wide Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) and the overall dimensions are approximately 60" x 44". The inset decorative frame is of 1" x 1/2" Kamagong or ebony (Diospyros blancoi).

The corners of the main frame are mitered half-laps and the Kamagong pieces are crossed using half-lap joints. The mirror mounts in a dado and the Kamagong inner frame is set in notches in that dado so it sits flush against the mirror front surface and with the front of the Narra outer frame.

I used what someone called a french cleat to mount it and it seems quite securely fixed in place. Actually it is a Hangman Products HM-18D heavy duty mirror hanger. The completed mirror weighs just over 50 pounds 11 of which is the frame.

The finish is sprayed gloss lacquer which was then wet sanded using a 50-50 mix of mineral oil and mineral spirits and using P360 to P1000 sandpaper to give it a semigloss final sheen.

Gallery

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Beautiful combination of woods!
 

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Bill,
Very strong frame construction and the quality of wood is superb! The simplest form of construction make the frame so precise. Slight error will be seen in such plane construction. I love to work with Narra and kamagong as both accepts all type of finish resulting to a lustrous gloss additional to its strength and being stable… no warping and bending.

God bless and hope your stay here in Philippines is really enjoyable.
 

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Thanks. Will do some more with these woods while I have the chance.
 

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Bill, this turned out very nice! I especially like your joinery. Wish we could get that much ebony in Colorado without taking out a loan! That's part of the tradeoff, though… can't have it all.

Glad you found acceptable hanging hardware.
 

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Hello Bill
Good job

I like the contrast between the two woods

Your project make think me some ideas

Thanks for sharing
 

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This LJ idea exchange IS very helpful.

The joinery is more than half the fun.

Jonathan - We'll be moving back this summer. Hoping to bring back some with me. Cost here has been quite expensive - equivalent to about $4/bd-ft unless it is given free. My dentist here just gave me a 30" x 18" rather ugly looking board of it. After removing the nails, cutting around some splits and black goo filling and working the surface I found beauty. I'll post what I'm making for him. He gave it to me but his generosity will make him the benefactor.
 

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Ok. I get it. I was wondering where you got your kamagong. I thought you're in some other part of the world but the Philippines. I hope you enjoy your stay.
 

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Stay is drawing to an end in about 4 1/5 months. will miss the accessibility of the exotic woods here.
 
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