| Project by lightweightladyleftie | posted 593 days ago | 498 views | 0 times favorited | 10 comments |  |
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I was asked by an employee of our local nursing home where I volunteer to design and build a pulpit to replace one that had been built many years earlier out of paneling and plywood. They wanted something of a similar size and function to the old one so I based my design roughly on its dimensions. Since I have volunteered there for many years providing the music for their Thursday worship services, they were aware of my passion for woodworking as well as for the Lord’s work.
Even though we were working on our kitchen at the time, my husband agreed that I should take a break and use the opportunity to learn a few more skills. I was able to try a few firsts for me: the cove molding at the base was made on the tablesaw; the sides were joined to the front with splined miters; and it was my first attempt at applying an onlay.
The skirt at the base conceals casters which make it (relatively) easy to move since it is stored in a room separate from where it is used. (It is easier to move now that I’ve convinced them not to attempt to double its weight by using every square inch of space inside to store 100 pounds of books!)
The opening in the back of the top portion gives quick storage for the Bible or hymn book when not in use by the pastor. There is also a pencil groove cut across the flat portion of the top.
I completed this project in the days before I knew about SketchUp’s free download. It would have been easier with the computer and I’m sure I would have eliminated some extra steps, especially in connecting the base to the carcass. (If I had made the carcass a little longer at the bottom, I could have alleviated building up the base to the top of the cove molding.)
-- "But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6
10 comments so far
Scott Bryan
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20546 posts in 714 days
posted 593 days ago
This is a nice piece of furniture. The raised panels and onlay add interesting visual details to the project.
Good job. Thanks for sharing.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
trifern
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7894 posts in 659 days
posted 593 days ago
Excellent work. I like the raised panel/cross detail on the front. I have been wanting to build a similar project for my daughter’s school.
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
Paul D
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2125 posts in 640 days
posted 593 days ago
Very nice work on the pulpit!
-- Paul D, Atlanta GA
Mario
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883 posts in 943 days
posted 592 days ago
Very nice peice. I bet the wheels help in the moving as it looks very solid.
thanks for the post.
-- Hope Never fails
CharlieM1958
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7599 posts in 1110 days
posted 592 days ago
From one old leftie to another, this is a great pulpit. Looking forward to seeing some more of your projects.
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
jockmike2
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7297 posts in 1139 days
posted 592 days ago
Great job. Beautiful wood. Nice finish. A good all round project, you should be commended too for the worthy project you donated your time to.
-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com
ND2ELK
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6136 posts in 666 days
posted 592 days ago
Beautiful pulpit. You did a wonerful job on it. I do not see where you think you are not good? You are truely a gifted crafts person.
God Bless
tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
lightweightladyleftie
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413 posts in 604 days
posted 592 days ago
Thanks for all the encouraging remarks. I didn’t mention that all the oak I use is sawn from our property. (They’re all dying of oak wilt.) We have a sawyer come in with a portable bandsaw mill and it makes the oak very affordable. And what’s not good enough to mill keeps us warm in the winter.
-- "But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6
Rj
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545 posts in 523 days
posted 520 days ago
I also like the raised panels the whole thing has a very warm feel .
Its extra special that the wood come from your own land .
keep up the good work.
-- Rj's Woodworks,San Jose & Weed Ca,
Dusty56
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3456 posts in 580 days
posted 474 days ago
Excellent job on this project : ) Have a wonderful day !
-- You know you're getting old when you know the difference between you're (you are) and your (belonging to you) AND how to use them in a sentence .