| Project by Patrick Jaromin | posted 348 days ago | 725 views | 2 times favorited | 18 comments |  |
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Just after our second child, Sean, was born, my parents came out for a visit. While they were here, my mother mentioned that she was planning to purchase a toddler step for my niece, Samantha. Apparently this has become something of a tradition for her. I promptly nixed that idea, insisting that I build one for her instead. 18mos. later, during another visit with my folks, I was reminded that the bench was yet to be delivered. Sigh.
The past two weekends I managed to scrape together enough hours to complete this simple bench/step. As my niece’s middle name is “Rose”, the plan was to inlay a rose into the top. I’ve done very few hand cut (see note) dovetails, so I figured I’d also take this opportunity to gain some practice. And while I’ve incorporated inlays into a number of my previous pieces, I always welcome the chance to gain some additional experience there as well. So a rather simple, blocky design was born. While it won’t likely win any design contests, I found cutting and fine tuning the dovetails very relaxing. It was also quite satisfying to assemble.
The sides are walnut, the top, is cherry. The inlaid rose petals are bloodwood and the stem is zebrawood. The finish is Watco Danish Oil, natural.
(full disclosure: by “hand cut” I mean using a bandsaw and chisels instead of a router template. If it’s good enough for David Marks... ;) )
UPDATE:
I decided it needed a couple top coats of a tung oil-based finish. This added a medium sheen to the piece and I think improved the look dramatically. I’ve replaced the second and third pics with new ones.
(originally posted at http://tenonandspline.com/blog/archives/80)
-- Patrick, Chicago, IL http://www.TenonAndSpline.com/blog
18 comments so far
jockmike2
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5706 posts in 998 days
posted 348 days ago
Nice job. Actually a beautiful piece.
-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com
Bigdogs117
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1440 posts in 372 days
posted 348 days ago
Great work. I really like the choice of wood.
-- Rusty
CharlieM1958
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6680 posts in 969 days
posted 348 days ago
Nice job on the joints and the inlay. Great wood choice.
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
thetimberkid
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1945 posts in 454 days
posted 348 days ago
Great table!
Thanks for the post
Callum
-- For wood working podcasts with a twist check out http://thetimberkid.com/
Betsy
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2291 posts in 647 days
posted 348 days ago
That’s destined to be an heirloom! Great job. I’m sure it will be cherished.
-- My digits count!
trifern
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7776 posts in 518 days
posted 348 days ago
Very nice looking step stool. Thank you for sharing.
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
brianinpa
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1325 posts in 474 days
posted 348 days ago
The inlay looks great, it almost shouldn’t be stepped on, but the wear will add character to the stool for your niece.
-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.
Dusty56
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2769 posts in 439 days
posted 348 days ago
WOW !!! this looks fantastic and the rose is just fine : )
-- You know you're getting old when you know the difference between you're (you are) and your (belongs to you) AND how to use them in a sentence .
Woodhacker
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1151 posts in 474 days
posted 348 days ago
Great job on the inlay Patrick…and also on the dovetails. Thanks for posting it.
-- Martin, Kansas
matt garcia
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516 posts in 423 days
posted 348 days ago
It’s very David Marks!! Great job!!
-- Matt, Houston Texas
Grumpy
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12048 posts in 602 days
posted 348 days ago
Great job Patrick.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
EduWood
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50 posts in 379 days
posted 348 days ago
Very nice! I’m sure everyone agrees that it was worth the wait.
-- David, O.C., California
Patrick Jaromin
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273 posts in 584 days
posted 348 days ago
I appreciate the comments.
Thanks, all!
-- Patrick, Chicago, IL http://www.TenonAndSpline.com/blog
benihun
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23 posts in 398 days
posted 347 days ago
The dovetails look awesome and the inlay is also very nice! The look of the whole piece is a pleasure for the eyes. Very good combination of woodtypes.
Thanks for sharing it!
ND2ELK
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5053 posts in 525 days
posted 347 days ago
Hi Patrick
Exquisite detail and design as always. Thanks for posting.
God Bless
tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
jeanmarc
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1750 posts in 467 days
posted 337 days ago
Great job
-- jeanmarc manosque france
Bob A in NJ
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400 posts in 750 days
posted 296 days ago
This inspires me to make one. Thanks
-- Bob A in NJ
MsDebbieP
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13437 posts in 912 days
posted 296 days ago
so beautiful
and Mom said… ??
-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)