Desk on frame

The design and finish of this piece are simply gorgeous. The details are simply too numerous to comment on but the piece has a lot of visual interest.

How about the wood(s) used and how did you finish it?

thanks for the post.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

That’s really amazing! I can’t think of anything more to say. -SST

-- You get no points when you punt

Hi Chuck

Beautiful looking piece. Have not seen non better. My brother wants to build him a Pennsylvania Secretary once I get the new shop up and running. Might have to pick you brain down the road. Any hidden compartments in this one? Thanks for posting.

God Bless
tom

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

That’s a great desk. It’s like the slant top I built except I had all drawers below and a bookcase on top.

Fantastic detail inside.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

first class excellent work Chuck & great design.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

Holy smokes, this is perfect. Extremely nice project. I don’t think I could ever make anything even close to this. How many hours does it take to make one of these? You are a true artisan. WOW WOW WOW

-- Bob A in NJ

Simply magnificent, I admire your craftmanship, your proportions and your attention to detail. Excellent work.

-- Colin, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. "Every craftsman was once an amateur"

Nice work Chuck, pretty obvious that you should keep your day job.

-- I can so I wood but why are my learning curves always circles

oh my goodness; oh my goodness; oh my goodness.
STUNNING …..... what a treasure!!! (bowing to your brilliance)

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Thanks folks for all the compliments. I’ll try to answer all the points you raised in turn.

First, the wood is Eastern Black Walnut. The lid and lower drawer fronts are walnut crotches. The color and finish are as follows. I used a homemade water-based analine dye to color up the walnut. Once it was dry, coats of shellac were applied. I lightly sanded between coats and the final coat was rubbed out dry with 0000 steel wool. After being rubbed out, the piece was lightly waxed with a good paste wax.

Pick my brain all you like. I’m a full time woodworker so there isn’t much to pick from. I’d be happy to help answer a few questions on a secretary. In this desk on frame the only secret compartment is behind the little tombstone door. Immediately behind the door is a bank of small drawers. If you pull out one of the drawers, there’s a small pin hole in the side of the case. If you insert the end of a paper clip, it will release a standard Quaker lock. The entire document box then slides out to reveal three more hidden drawers at the back.

The desk on frame design is rarer than the full blown secretary in America. There are far fewer period desk on frames. The exception to that is the reverse serpentine secretary. It seems you’ve found one of the few rarer forms of period desk to build than I did, Gary. What a brilliant piece you made.

The number of hours I spent on this desk comes in around 60 to 70. I don’t have any “in progress” photos of this piece but I will try to post some other views (if I can find them).

Thanks again to everyone for their kind words. What I’m really looking for by posting some of my pieces is earn enough of your respect to be able to help you achieve those woodworking goals you have. Please feel free to ask for help. At the prodding of my family and friends, I’m trying to open up new avenues in my woodworking. When I see a secretary like GaryK’s, I’m humbled by the notion that the person who made it hasn’t been locked in his shop continuously for the last 25 years trying to perfect his skills. The more I learn about woodworking, the more I realize there is yet for me to know. If I can help enlighten any of you on a problem you’re having with a project, I would be greatful for the opportunity to help.

-- Chuck Bender, period furniture maker, www.acanthus.com

My goodness! That is a beautiful piece of furniture.

-- Maplewood, MN

First class all the way Chuck!

I see talent like this and think I should just go and burn my tools because I’m wasting wood.

-- There is no such thing as scrap wood!, http://www.saltrivergallery.com

Another great piece, Chuck. I too would like to see some more views of this piece. thanks for the info.

-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon

Wow!

I’m kinda like Brian. I don’t know whether to try harder, or just go throw my tools in the lake.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Nice legs. I would love to do one of these someday.

-- Happy Ripping!!!

Its hard to believe that someone like yourself has this much talent. You of course are a Master at what you do and the furniture you make will be here for a 100 years. When I see craftmenship like this it is not possible for me to express in words what I think. I hope you pass this talent onto some lucky person so they to can pass it forward as well.
Thanks for posting such an amazing piece.

-- Dominic, Trinity, Florida

Superb craftsmanship!

-- Dick Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

That is an absolutely lovely piece. I especially love the gallery.

When I grow up I want to do one kind of like that one.

Charles Mullins

-- God makes the wood beautiful--I simply rearrange it to make it more useful, hopefully.

I’ve been a huge fan of the Queen Anne pieces for years, and your additions only inspire me even more.
Beautiful piece, and I am looking forward to seeing more of your work.

-- Still learning everything

Dominic,

Thanks, I think. Do you mean it’s hard to believe that someone like me can actually make something like this? I feel the same way most of the time. I’ve just never heard anyone else say it.

I’m just joking with you really. Thanks for the compliment. I’ve had many apprentices over the years, some actually got what I was trying to teach them, most did not. So, after all these years, and lots of prodding from family and friends, I opened a woodworking school. Fortunately, I found this place so I can expand the number of people I can reach with my experience. Hopefully, in doing so, I can expand my knowledge of this craft as well. It’s the ultimate win – win situation.

Thanks again to you and everyone for such a warm welcome to LJ’s.

-- Chuck Bender, period furniture maker, www.acanthus.com

Brian and Charlie,

Don’t throw away those tools. If I can do it, anyone can. It just takes LOTS of practice and more than a little patience. When you decide to dive in and try it, I’ll be here to help answer any questions you have. If I don’t know the answer, we’ll learn together.

-- Chuck Bender, period furniture maker, www.acanthus.com

What a gorgeous piece! Both the design and the execution are wonderful! Congratulations!

-- dickvn,Virginia,vannierop@urgrad.rochester.edu

Amazing work…Incredible workmanship…Wow!

-- Joni Hamari, Cave Creek, Az www.CustomSculpture.com

that is amazing! like all of your pieces the detail is astounding! this piece will be a heirloom that is treasured to whoever has it! thanks for the post.