| Project by Alan Young | posted 467 days ago | 713 views | 2 times favorited | 16 comments |  |
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Over the next few days I’ll be posting some pictures of projects I’ve completed in the last year or two but haven’t shared here. To begin here is a carved coffee table. Sapele for the top and Mahogany for the apron and legs.
I started work on this piece in February of 2007 and worked at it sporadically through the coming months, and while it took 7 months to complete, I didn’t do a specific logging of hours.But the real question for me was not how many hours, weeks or months I spent building this piece but rather “How long did it take to learn how to build it?” For that question I’d say I’ve been working up to this piece for at least 6 years and probably more like 10. The carving element is obviously a dominant factor in the design of the piece- but form, proportion, joinery and finish are all factors that were not easily “thrown in” when I began contemplation of this piece. Acquiring the skills to make all the factors in this furniture equation come out with a pleasing answer is a long process.While I am pleased with the result I think there are many ways that this piece could evolve in future iterations.
Alan
16 comments so far
Michael Brailsford
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212 posts in 471 days
posted 467 days ago
very, very nice.
-- Michael A. Brailsford
SteveKorz
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2030 posts in 592 days
posted 467 days ago
Wow, you’ve done a terrific job on this one! Fantastic!
-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) †
CharlieM1958
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7459 posts in 1096 days
posted 467 days ago
Fantastic piece. I have no words adequate to describe.
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
daveintexas
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338 posts in 754 days
posted 467 days ago
You have certainly mastered the carving part. Wow, it makes the table look so rich.
Thanks for posting
-- MISSION FURNITURE-My mission is to build furniture
Jimboe
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81 posts in 628 days
posted 467 days ago
love it … is there a plce on the web that teaches leg making ??
Texasgaloot
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467 posts in 578 days
posted 467 days ago
Obviously we are going to be needing to sit at your feet and learn for a while! That is an extremely elegant piece!
-- There's no tool like an old tool...
Garyb6
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262 posts in 508 days
posted 467 days ago
OUtstanding Craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing.
-- Garyb6, “Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler” - Albert Einstein
trifern
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7890 posts in 645 days
posted 467 days ago
Absolutely spectacular. Thanks for sharing.
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
Chris
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1452 posts in 869 days
posted 467 days ago
Oh my….. That is an amazing piece of work.
-- Chris
Richforever
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335 posts in 598 days
posted 467 days ago
Love it! Thanks for posting!
-- Rich, Seattle, WA
ND2ELK
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6065 posts in 652 days
posted 466 days ago
Exquisite piece! You did a beautiful job on it. Thanks for posting.
God Bless
tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
jeanmarc
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1750 posts in 594 days
posted 466 days ago
Very beautiful
-- jeanmarc manosque france
Woodhacker
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1145 posts in 601 days
posted 466 days ago
Alan, you have every reason to be so proud of this. This is truly a beautiful piece of art/furniture. The carving is phenomenal!
Thanks for posting it.
-- Martin, Kansas
Alan Young
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57 posts in 598 days
posted 465 days ago
I appreciate everyone’s comments. As I mentioned—I spent a number of years working up to this piece. I have legs roughed out and a top almost done ready for another one. Just no room in the house for it!
Alan
kolwdwrkr
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2218 posts in 468 days
posted 127 days ago
looks great. A lot of work, but well worth it
-- ~ Inspiring those who inspire me ~
a1Jim
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15530 posts in 455 days
posted 126 days ago
Hey Alan
This is an amazing piece very well done perfect execution .
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon