Shaker Bench for Charity

Very nice item. Well worth the price it gained.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

Beautiful work as always. I’m curious about the pin on the back upright pieces. The ones on the back rail I get, but is the single one cosmetic to pull the piece together visually or is it functional? I’m probably missing something so please forgive my ignorance. I’ve yet to do a chair. As always, it’s wonderful to look at your craftsmanship.

-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.

Very nice work, on the bench.

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

Nice looking bench, Todd! The drawers are a great option.

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

Chip,

The backrest has a piece behind it that creates a right angle and fits between the legs. This prevents the backrest from bowing due to lack of support. The pins run into the ends of that piece.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

nice project. i always love working with a new tool! sometimes i even plan my projects around a new tool, lol!

Great job!

-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com

Beautiful work Todd. I love this bench.

Time for a woodrat review.

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne

Here is the short review: You gotta get one!

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

nice job…you must feel really good when your work is valued so highly…and helping people at the same time is even better!!

beautiful craftmanship!

-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...

Todd great bench and congratulations on the sale of it.

I did notice that you were looking over the top of your glass as you cut the dovetails. The safety glass don’t work that way. I know I do it all the time myself.

I finally bought a pair of safety glasses and put my glasses on the shelf, to be picked up when I leave the shop.

Near sightedness causes that.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Karson,

You are right, I need some REAL safety glasses.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

Truly a beautiful bench, one more great build.

-- Mike, Bruce Mississippi = Jack of many trades master of none

Todd -

Excellent! I always enjoy your work. Congratulations on a wonderful contribution to the Eagle Mount Program! Some one did well getting this bench. I would be interested to hear what you have to say about the WoodRat.

Best Regards,
David

-- http://foldingrule.blogspot.com

Ahh but you did donate $1,500 worth of skill. Great story, thanks for sharing.

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

Todd – you do beautiful work. It’s always nice to be able to give to charity like that.

-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.

Beautiful bench!

-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""

Thanks for posting. As always, I enjoy seeing you work.

-- Making Quality Homes Better!

Todd—

I really appreciate the shaker style, when the “wave” right now seems to be Arts and Crafts. I’m wondering if maybe I can pop a shaker end table together for my fire department’s silent auction…

Well done!

-- There's no tool like an old tool...

What a fantastic design idea for something as mundane as a bench! I love the drawers, the joinery and the choice of woods. The bench being a donation piece is icing on the cake. Congratulations on another fine project Todd!

-- Terry Roswell, L.A. (Lower Alabama) "Life is what happens to you when you are making other plans."

Great looking bench Todd, nicely done.

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

Appreciate the attention to detail and thanks for sharing the construction process.

-- Shawn, I ask in order to learn

Again what a great job. Your work and craftsmanship is wonderful. Great job. I like the construction photos as well as the details.

-- Davesfunwoodworking

Todd,

Very nice job. I really like the use of curly material in the crest. I also like the exposed joinery on the drawers. Look great! Where did you get the idea to peg the dovetails like that? It’s a very interesting construction technique. I’ll have to give it a try sometime.

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

Chuck,
The pins are just something that I came up with on my own.
They are a logical step in trying to make a more permanent and durable joint.
I did not see it anywhere that I can think of, but I can’t imagine that others aren’t doing it.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

Todd,
In all the years I’ve been working wood, I’ve never seen anyone who has pinned their dovetails in this manner. Having seen thousands of 18th century pieces, you would have thought that if it was being done, there would be a period example around somewhere. I won’t guarantee it hasn’t happened, I just don know of any examples that I seen or read about. I’ll let you know how I make out on my tests of your technique.

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

Another fine, fine bench. Very appealing use of sap, splitting through center of the seat and that nice light arc in the bottom of the back… Super!

And, being a guy that works with individuals with severe speech and physical impairment, I’d say you picked a good cause!

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

Todd,

This is a beautiful piece that went to a worthy cause. I really like the idea of pinning the dovetails this is certainly a unique construction element.

Well done.

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

Very beautiful, I always enjoy your work.

-- robbi-Yadahooty!

Nice looking bench..I like that style…I’ve been looking at getting a woodrat or liegh FMT jig would you say that you think the woodrat is worth the money and you get plenty of use out of it? I’m on a tight budget….

-- Todd, Oak Ridge, TN, Hello my name is Todd and I'm a Toolholic, I bought my last tool 10 days, no 4 days, oh heck I bought a tool on the way here! †

I was lookng for a nice bench design. You have a beautiful bench here. I can use your design for ideas for what my wife wants.