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I built this bookcase on spec to sell and then could not part with it.

The design is from Pete Zuerner's article in Fine Woodworking #161. Pete's design captured my attention when I first saw it and I always had it in the back of my mind, thinking that I would make one like it when I got the right materials.

While working in Ohio I got this log of spalted, curly maple that was 10' long , it had the pith in it and everything. When I took it to home to Montana, I had to resaw it in short order because it started to check and twist almost immediately. Our ambient humidity level runs about 15-25% in the summer compared to Ohio's 95%. (I strongly suggest a hygrometer in your shop and following the numbers.)

My version has the same overall look, but I did not follow the directions and it is not to the same dimensions. I had limited material and I simply divided it out to fit a pleasing proportion.

I cut my veneer close to 1/8" thick and then finished cleaning it up in the sanding machine. Beautiful! I had in mind that the maple would go wonderfully with black walnut and I think that cherry would have worked too.

The finish is a satin pre-catalyzed lacquer from Sherwin Williams, it is the one that I always use. This seems to be holding up quite well to my books constantly being removed and replaced.

Gallery

Comments

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I looked at the project first and thought "this looks like a Todd creation".. and then what do I see??? It IS a Todd creation!!! :)

Very nice. I couldn't part with it either.
 

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I just love you!
 

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your work speaks for itself…
I just put it in writing!
 

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Todd. What did you glue your veneer to then. something like 1/2" plywood. I see that you put veneer on both sides. That's why I'm guessing that it's not just 2 sheets for veneer.
 

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Todd,

Another beautiful piece. Very light in form.

Could you please post some photos of your progress on a future project so we can see how its done? I think all of would benefit.

Also, I would love to see a blog on how to work with a hygrometer.

Keep up the great work!

John
 

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Gizmo,

You can get a thermometer at Wal-Mart or Target for about $12 that has a hygrometer on it. All it does is tell you the humidity level. I like to keep and eye on it in the shop and outside. I also have one in the house.

Keeping projects in my own house has been valuable for determining the effectiveness of the products and materials that I use and how they move. It also creates a bit of a showroom too.
 

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Karson,

I use Unibond 800 glue and a vacuum press. I used 1/2 baltic birch as the core. After glue up, I make sure that I sand both sides an equal amount to maintain balance.

The sweet thing about the Unibond 800 is that it dries hard and is sandable without gumming up the sandpaper.
 

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Beautiful, Todd. I love spalted maple.
 

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I bought some Unibond but have yet to use it. Because it seems that I'm always doing my veneer in the winter and the shop is not hot enough for Unibond. maybe this summer.

I haven't looked but do you know what is the shelf life of the Unibond powder. The container has never been opened.
 

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That's a great way to use that spalted Maple. Most of the time you only see it in wood turnings, it's beautiful.
 

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A very nice combination of woods. Excellent work…
 

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Nice job Todd. I notice a theme of dark and light contrasts in your work. Is that just the projects you have posted, or is that your usual style? Just wondering, because it looks great.
 

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This is a beautiful piece. I love the contrast of the wood. My favorite detail is the coved crown molding.
 

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The contrast in texture and colors is something that I have naturally gravitated towards, but I don't think it is an absolute in design necessity.

The top does not have a crown moulding on it. It is a solid top with a big cove in it. It also is on the back. Usually the cove would not continue across the back for it to sit against the wall. I make "walk around" furniture, and this piece could sit in the middle of a big room or gallery and be pleasing from all sides.
 

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Karson,

The resin has a shelf life of up to year and the powder hardener has an indefinite shelf life. This info is from the dealer.

I have used the resin at 14 months and it starts getting thick, but it still worked. I had a little left and gave it to a friend to finish off, he was wanting to try it. Temperature is a great factor in the shelf life. They have a general scale of shelf life and temperatures at www.vacupress.com.

When I use the glue in the cooler season, I heat my vacuum bag and platen with a heating blanket with moving blankets on top. I like to preheat them while I work on the glue-ups, and keep the project covered during the cure time. It has worked out quite well. I keep my shop at 50 degrees when not in use and I only turn it up to 60 when working. I use an overhead Hot Dawg heater.
 

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The comments about your work being so light and airy are so true. You definitely have your own style which is just terrific. And what can I say about the wood. Just a wonderful piece. I can see why you didn't want to part with it. Thanks for sharing.
 

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Great work!

So all your furniture is centered in the room then? Leaves plenty of wallspace for artwork I suppose… Or, it could fit better against a wall where there is baseboard heat…

THe one thing I hate about the renovation magazines is how they seem to show that everyone has forced hot air. I've only lived in one house (out of 7) that didn't have baseboard heaters (electric or otherwise) Oh how I hate them so!

give me a chance to put in radiant floor heat, please!
 

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Actually this design would accomodate electric baseboard heat.

Walk around furniture is just my standard.
 

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I love the wood selection and the hardware. That's a lot of hole drilling.
 

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Just one more reason I love your work! (Or perhaps two)
 
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