| Project by Patrick Jaromin | posted 475 days ago | 851 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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7222 posts in 1124 days
posted 475 days ago
Nice job. Actually a beautiful piece.
-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com
Bigdogs117
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1759 posts in 499 days
posted 475 days ago
Great work. I really like the choice of wood.
-- Rusty
CharlieM1958
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7459 posts in 1096 days
posted 475 days ago
Nice job on the joints and the inlay. Great wood choice.
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
thetimberkid
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1944 posts in 581 days
posted 475 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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2379 posts in 774 days
posted 475 days ago
That’s destined to be an heirloom! Great job. I’m sure it will be cherished.
-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.
trifern
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7890 posts in 645 days
posted 475 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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1363 posts in 601 days
posted 475 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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3392 posts in 566 days
posted 475 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 (belonging to you) AND how to use them in a sentence .
Woodhacker
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1145 posts in 601 days
posted 475 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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678 posts in 550 days
posted 475 days ago
It’s very David Marks!! Great job!!
-- Matt, Houston Texas
Grumpy
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14852 posts in 729 days
posted 475 days ago
Great job Patrick.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
EduWood
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50 posts in 506 days
posted 475 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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284 posts in 710 days
posted 474 days ago
I appreciate the comments.
Thanks, all!
-- Patrick, Chicago, IL http://www.TenonAndSpline.com/blog
benihun
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23 posts in 525 days
posted 474 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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6065 posts in 652 days
posted 474 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 594 days
posted 464 days ago
Great job
-- jeanmarc manosque france
Bob A in NJ
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519 posts in 877 days
posted 423 days ago
This inspires me to make one. Thanks
-- Bob A in NJ
MsDebbieP
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14090 posts in 1039 days
posted 422 days ago
so beautiful
and Mom said… ??
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)