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Anyone ever build a Bombay chest?

895 views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  Planeman40 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Looking at some examples on google.. The difficulty maybe similar to making a guitar.. Saw one listed as a French Antique for $21,000.

I always thought I would like to attempt one later in life…
 
#2 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have done some veneering and marquetry and have been woodworking for 60 years, but I have never made a "Bombe" chest. But if I did attempt it I would first do a test by carving a Bombe-like bump on a piece of wood. I would then make a mold of the surface by stretching some Saran Wrap over the Bombe surface and taping it down to act as a release. I would cover the Saran Wrap with Bondo and back it up with a piece of plywood. I would soak my veneer overnight in water or steam it to get it as flexible as possible and then sandwich between the carved Bombe surface and the Bondo counter-mold, clamping everything together. The question is weather to mold the veneer to shape first and then apply the glue or apply the glue while the veneer is wet and clamp everything together. I guess this is why you do a test. Good luck on the attempt. Let us know ho it turns out.

Planeman
 
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