Success-
I installed the big door today with a helping hand. The careful planning paid big dividends in an incredibly smooth and accurate install.
Before doing the veneer work, I installed and fitted the doors. The doors were then taken to the shop and finished. The hinges were numbered and went back into the same locations. This meant that the final install required no additional adjustment. This is what I call jobsite theory, and it worked out this time.
Getting a handle on it…
Now it is time to fabricate the dual copper handles. They will be bent to follow the contour of the design in the doors. I made a bending jig with a pattern on the leading edge to measure the work against. The design is also drawn on the board and followed for the bending process.
I do not consider myself a metal worker, but it has great potential to go with my wood designs. So I had to figure out how to bend the solid copper rods. The basic principals are not too hard to figure out. The most important one here is consistent and even support for the metal during the bending process. The finished product seemed to turn out good and held the shape quit well on its own.
More work…
The clients love the doors and want to change the lighting in the ceiling to better show the work. The recessed cans were not placed with this project in mind. This was not part of the original plans when we built the house. So now I will be taking care of changing the lights.
To see the full progress click on “Cooper Closet” at this link http://gallery.mac.com/toddclippinger.
I have been posting everything in the .Mac gallery and on LJ’s but I need to get my website updated. It just goes to show how you guys rate!
I’m outta here-
Peace, Love, and Woodworking
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

























18 comments so far
David
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1982 posts in 1033 days
posted 706 days ago
Todd -
The door looks great! Very interesting to see how the copper rods are bent to form the handle. Copper is going to be a wonderful accent to the door and home.
David
-- http://foldingrule.blogspot.com
gbear
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103 posts in 993 days
posted 706 days ago
Beautiful Todd…they’re gorgeous. With the handles, this will be one slick project.
gbear
-- gbear, Carmichael, CA
Dorje
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1767 posts in 891 days
posted 706 days ago
Pretty amazing Todd! Will you ever get to go home?
-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA
Jiri Parkman
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603 posts in 707 days
posted 706 days ago
Veri nice.
-- Jiri
rikkor
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11335 posts in 769 days
posted 706 days ago
Jeez Todd, that is exquisite.
MsDebbieP
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14158 posts in 1055 days
posted 706 days ago
stunning.
almost done…. almost home?
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Russel
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2057 posts in 833 days
posted 706 days ago
Them is some doors! Remarkable work.
-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.
Todd A. Clippinger
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5642 posts in 994 days
posted 706 days ago
I am certain that I will not be home for Christmas but maybe for New Year’s. It seems the faster I run, the farther the finish line gets from me.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
MsDebbieP
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14158 posts in 1055 days
posted 706 days ago
then quit running!!!! :)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
mrtrim
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1698 posts in 775 days
posted 706 days ago
an elegant mixture of art and craftsmanship ! and that statement is a patch that dosent cover the hole . that is what makes you the american craftsman ! happy holidays to you and yours .
Thos. Angle
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4013 posts in 857 days
posted 706 days ago
Todd,
This is beyond the call of duty and a very exceptional piece. Go home for Christmas, you deserve it. This can wait.
-- Thos. Angle
Greg Wurst
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716 posts in 727 days
posted 706 days ago
This house seems to be pretty-much full-time employment judging by all the jobs there you have done. The owners should just have you on retainer! :) As always, beautiful work that is inspiring to look at.
-- You're a unique and special person, just like everyone else.
Damian Penney
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1030 posts in 886 days
posted 706 days ago
Very, very nice indeed. Wish I had enough cash to hire you :)
-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso
dalec
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580 posts in 783 days
posted 706 days ago
Todd, you are an Artist-Craftsman. I watched your photo record of your work on this particular project earlier today. It was an impressive show of skill, confidence, and art, congratulations on on bring it together on this significant piece of art.
Dalec
Todd A. Clippinger
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5642 posts in 994 days
posted 706 days ago
Thanks for all the comments. It has been intensely stressful at times. A screw up would be totally devastating to the work I have done and the very expensive materials that are involved.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Dadoo
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1723 posts in 885 days
posted 706 days ago
No kidding Todd, but you’ve impressed the hell outta me! Montana calls though. Someday this project must end. Go home and have a Merry Christmas with your family!
-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!
Grumpy
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14920 posts in 745 days
posted 705 days ago
Lookiing good Todd
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
scott shangraw
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408 posts in 963 days
posted 703 days ago
Nice job Todd!!!That’s something the customer will always cherish.
-- Scott NM,http://www.shangrilawoodworks.com