Closet Project
Well I am still in Ohio, and I am working on one incredible project. It is an entry closet for the house I built with my brother, which is not far from where I grew up.
No Ordinary Closet
This project takes the ordinary and ubiquitous closet to a whole new level. This is not made of sheetrock and 2×4’s. It is of black lacquered panels and veneer with artistic lines and custom copper handles. The doors have a 70-30 split and feature hidden hinges that open 180 degrees. They are 8’ high hollow core doors that I had to make myself.
Where you will see it all:
http://gallery.mac.com/toddclippinger#gallery Click on the album “Cooper Closet.” You are free to look at anything else there too.
Understand This:
There currently are currently 195 photos on 2 pages. A few people have failed to realize that there is more than one page and missed some of the photos. I add photos daily. This is primarily for the clients to see my daily progress, but you can see it too. By tomorrow afternoon there will be three pages.
What You Will See
This is woodworking minutiae. If pictures say a thousand words I have written volumes here. The woodworking enthusiast will see the design stages through construction glue ups, vacuum pressing, door making, veneering, and dye work is the latest. There are only simple statements for the titles. There is not room to get wordy.
Nerves of Steel
Yes, I ran into trouble a couple of days ago when a caul stuck to my veneer. This type of work is not for anyone with a weak constitution. One screw up would mean a do-over that could buy a good used car. If I fall on my face here it will be in full view of the public.
It’s not a “Talkie”
These are just digital shots in the shop but they are real and taken everyday. I have not advanced to video yet. Quite honestly this project would be too overwhelming to edit at this time.
Here is a peek-
Here is the basic view of the project.
Here is an action shot from today.
And the final shot at the end of the day.
Call Me Lazy
I just don’t have time to do a full blog on it. I know how you guys are for gleaning information from photos. That has been a good bit of my education. Right now I am just working my butt off to get back to my home in Montana, I am starting to turn into a Buckeye!
I hope you enjoy the photos. There is a download icon you can click if for some reason you find anything of particular interest.
Once again click on “Cooper Closet” at this link http://gallery.mac.com/toddclippinger#gallery.
One More Thing
There is one album that shows various views of the outside of the house including some really cool night shots that I took. You have to check those out.
Peace, Love and Woodworking
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
18 comments so far
dennis mitchell
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3791 posts in 1212 days
posted 715 days ago
That door alone is stunning. The whole project must be a real jem!
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
Todd A. Clippinger
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5653 posts in 997 days
posted 715 days ago
Oh it’s a gem alright!
I am so thankful for these clients. They have given me a lot of work, but what I value the most is that they have challenge me beyond my limits on every project. I have matured as an artist because of them.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Karson
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25805 posts in 1298 days
posted 715 days ago
And they are willing to let you learn on their dime. Great customers. Great looking closet.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Dorje
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1767 posts in 894 days
posted 715 days ago
Wowzers!
-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA
shaun
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360 posts in 803 days
posted 715 days ago
I’m not sure that “lazy” would be one of the adjectives I used to describe you Todd. Now that I’ve spent a half hour oogeling the construction, you realize that you’re morrally obligated to post the finished product here.
-- I've cut that board three times and it's still too short!
miles125
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1434 posts in 903 days
posted 715 days ago
That is an awesome project. You go dude!
-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""
snowdog
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808 posts in 880 days
posted 715 days ago
WOW! You must have nerves of steal :) With big projects come big headaches. It looks like everything is working out well. Good luck, go slow and keep posting.
-- "so much to learn and so little time"..
MsDebbieP
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14162 posts in 1058 days
posted 715 days ago
ah… “wow” !!!
amazing; amazing; amazing!
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Brad_Nailor
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1223 posts in 855 days
posted 715 days ago
Great work Todd….that is going to be one of the niceist closets I have ever seen. Beautifull work, but I wouldn’t expect to see anything but from you!
-- David, South Windsor, CT "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning"
Thos. Angle
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4013 posts in 860 days
posted 715 days ago
Great blog, Todd! I can see a vacuum system in the near future. Your work and Lee’s are sure an inspiration to the rest of us. This project is one of the best of its type on this site. thanks for sharing your skills and knowledge. I sure hope you get home to Billings pretty soon. Winter in Ohio is not inviting. When you get home and go skiing at Red Lodge, give the Big M a hello for me.
-- Thos. Angle
Mark Mazzo
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343 posts in 810 days
posted 714 days ago
Todd,
Awesome work on the closet and the house!
-- Mark, Webster New York, Visit my website at http://thecraftsmanspath.com
Sgt_Lobo
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87 posts in 756 days
posted 714 days ago
This is why you are “the Master” Todd, and why people like me flock to be your understudies! A can’t even imagine the pressure that must come when working with clients willing to spend that kind of money and expecting those kinds of results… I put myself under too much pressure as is making “free” boxes for my parents. I’d fold…
-- Sgt_Lobo -- Aurora, CO
Russel
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2063 posts in 836 days
posted 714 days ago
Not much more to say than has already been said, but I just had to add my WOW! to the bunch.
-- Working at Woodworking www.VillageLaneFurniture.com
mrtrim
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1698 posts in 777 days
posted 714 days ago
mr clippinger this looks like another american craftsman classic ! you do some wonderful work my friend
Todd A. Clippinger
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5653 posts in 997 days
posted 714 days ago
Thanks guys.
I hoped that you would be able to glean ideas and an understanding from the posted photos. I may have to cover it in more detail later.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Blake
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2760 posts in 772 days
posted 714 days ago
Geez Todd, ur soooo lazy.
Actually I’m just stoked that you take the time to humor us “little people” and share your amazing world with us.
”...WE’RE NOT WORTHY…”
You’re my hero. Thanks for the peek.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
Todd A. Clippinger
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5653 posts in 997 days
posted 714 days ago
No Blake, I am the one not worthy. I just want to share with others so that they may be inspired to work to a higher level for themselves.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Grumpy
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14932 posts in 748 days
posted 713 days ago
Thats some project Todd.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python