Finished!
Well it’s been a long journey and it did not end without one extra push.
I finished installing the copper handles Monday by 11:30. There was a couple of scratches but I was certain I could buff them out. This is a skill that goes with the territory. I worked on the finish for the next six hours and I could not get the finish to blend.
How to Remove a Scratch-
After exhausting all other options this is what I resorted to today:
Yes you are seeing it correctly, I had to spray the doors in place to even it out. I had to remove the handles, mask off, and spray two coats to make it work. Fortunately it did. The traces of the scratch are gone and the finish is perfect. It is even and I did not produce any sags or runs. Vertical surfaces are a challenge.
The precatalyzed lacquer that I use is very repairable. This is one of the benefits of using it. One drawback is the stink, but the weather was warm and breezy so I was able to cross ventilate the house and it aired out very quickly.
Another benefit is that it dries very quickly. This means that I was able to install the handles after a long lunch without fear of damage to the finish.
The Finished View
Here is the completed project from the front and side view.
Here is an interior view.
The clients are just ecstatic! And so am I – this means I CAN GO HOME!
I have a small item to take care of for my mom and I will pick up my UHaul trailer tomorrow. Pack. Leave Thursday late afternoon. Drive ‘till I drop. See wife and dogs soon.
Peace, Love, and Woodwoking
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com


























31 comments so far
Sgt_Lobo
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87 posts in 751 days
posted 684 days ago
That is amazing work Todd! I would never have imagined that so much work could be put into a closet. You documentation of this project has been incredible and I know that myself, and many more here at LJs have learned an immense amount. Thanks for taking the time to post all of this for us.
-- Sgt_Lobo -- Aurora, CO
Greg Wurst
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716 posts in 725 days
posted 684 days ago
Odd weather we’re having in Ohio right now. Enjoy the trip back and take some time-off to relax! :)
-- You're a unique and special person, just like everyone else.
Thos. Angle
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4013 posts in 855 days
posted 684 days ago
Absolutely amazing!! Exceptional, excellent wonderful, you get to go home!!! (that ain’t a bad closet, either.)
-- Thos. Angle
gizmodyne
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1672 posts in 983 days
posted 684 days ago
Awesome. Take a few pics in the morning so we can see it in natura light.
-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne
mrtrim
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1698 posts in 773 days
posted 684 days ago
mission accomplished , job well done and theres no place like home !! exellent blog on this project todd thanks for taking the time
Todd A. Clippinger
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5631 posts in 992 days
posted 684 days ago
Gizmo – I did take some day shots. The daylight reflections were horrible.
Here is one for you.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Roger Strautman
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534 posts in 1027 days
posted 684 days ago
Thanks for letting me ride along on this project. I’d say stop by on your way thru Indiana but that wife of yours is much more important than I. Have a safe trip back Todd!
-- " All Things At First Appear Difficult"
cajunpen
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5968 posts in 959 days
posted 684 days ago
Wow – what a closet. Having the money to buy the best talent around must be wonderful. Good job Todd.
-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/
Douglas Bordner
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3421 posts in 957 days
posted 684 days ago
Slick! I’m so pleased that this monumental effort is done and you’ll be home soon. We should arm-twist someone at Fine Homebuilding into a feature. You should consider writing this up. Here’s a link. Perhaps Brother Spagnuolo would have some insights.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
gbear
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103 posts in 992 days
posted 684 days ago
It’s been a long and fun journey, thanks for taking us along. The results are awesome…it proves that anything worth doing – is worth doing right.
-- gbear, Carmichael, CA
dalec
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580 posts in 781 days
posted 684 days ago
Todd, First congratulations on completing this incredible piece of art.
Thanks for the opportunity to come along with you as you progressed through the project.
Get home safely and get a well deserved break.
Dalec
mot
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4901 posts in 929 days
posted 684 days ago
Man, that came out nice! My wife even liked it, Todd. That’s really a compliment!
-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)
Todd A. Clippinger
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5631 posts in 992 days
posted 684 days ago
Doug – I am already working on it.
Thanks for the comments guys. I am glad to have had you along for the ride. I hope you all got something out of following it.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
scott shangraw
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408 posts in 962 days
posted 684 days ago
Looks GREAT!!!Now go home!!
-- Scott NM,http://www.shangrilawoodworks.com
Karson
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25792 posts in 1293 days
posted 684 days ago
Congratulation on the completion. Didn’t make it before Christmas, But you did make it before Easter.
It is fantastic. Great job.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Dadoo
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1723 posts in 883 days
posted 684 days ago
HOME! Goooooooooooooo Hoooooooooome!
Drop us a line when you get back to the normal.
-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!
EdC
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457 posts in 733 days
posted 684 days ago
Wow, words could not do it justice.
I love the curves.
-- Ed - Milan, IN
rikkor
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11335 posts in 767 days
posted 684 days ago
This project has knocked my socks off all the way through. I can’t say enough about your level of craftsmanship and commitment to perfection. You da man Todd.
Russel
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2054 posts in 832 days
posted 684 days ago
Beatiful work. The craftsmanship is topnotch. A pure work of art. Have a safe trip home and enjoy your family.
-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.
MsDebbieP
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14156 posts in 1053 days
posted 683 days ago
“welcome home” (I’m hoping that you aren’t logging on again until you’ve spent some time with your family)
Amazing journey. What’s your estimate as to how many hours went into this?
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Mario
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882 posts in 944 days
posted 683 days ago
Add my wow and awesome to the list of humbled woodworkers who stand in amazement of your skill. and another thank you for letting us be part of the process.
-- Hope Never fails
Critterman
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546 posts in 703 days
posted 683 days ago
Todd there just aren’t adjectives big enough to describe the job you did. A gorgeous work of art. Now go home and get some rest :>)
-- Jim Hallada, Chesterfield, VA
motthunter
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2079 posts in 692 days
posted 683 days ago
glad to see that craftsmanship is not dead
-- making sawdust....
Grumpy
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14914 posts in 744 days
posted 683 days ago
What can I say Todd?. That is exceptional.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
dustynewt
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447 posts in 755 days
posted 683 days ago
Stunning project. I have been watching the whole process as well. You are not only a fine craftsman, but a clear and patient teacher. Thank you for sharing your creative genius.
-- Please visit me at http://dustynewt.com
Jeff
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996 posts in 987 days
posted 683 days ago
Congratulations, Todd! I hope you get in some quality time with your wife and the pups. The blog has been a great inspiration.
-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN
Brad_Nailor
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1213 posts in 850 days
posted 683 days ago
I can’t believe you had to mask and spray the thing in the house to fix a scratch? Wow what a pain..but thats great that it worked out. I would have been terrified of the finish sagging. Pre catalyzed lacquer is great to work with ..sets up and drys FAST!. Nice job on that work of art ..aka “closet”. Now go home and take some time off!
-- David, South Windsor, CT "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning"
dennis mitchell
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3789 posts in 1207 days
posted 683 days ago
Drive safe…thanks for taking us along.
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
Blake
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2748 posts in 767 days
posted 682 days ago
Beautiful, Todd.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
cheller
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249 posts in 1002 days
posted 681 days ago
Very nice work. Safe travels.
-- Chelle http://artsgranddaughter.blogspot.com
shaun
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360 posts in 798 days
posted 679 days ago
I’ve been away for a bit and this was one of the first things I went looking for. Last thing I remember you were dyeing the doors. This is an amazing piece of work Todd.
-- I've cut that board three times and it's still too short!