ELIPSE COFFEE TABLE: phew!

Although an improved business climate has kept me occupied with repairs (a good thing), I've finally completed the mate to my ELIPSE SIDE TABLE. among the challenges was selecting a finish that will do justice to the exquisite material AND prove durable enough for a tabletop likely to endure numerous insults.

In the end, I opted for tung oil (rather than dye) to deepen the grain & figure, followed by a conventional "short oil" varnish - padded on. I love this mode of application because it allows a flawless finish without the need to spray. The basis of this technique is the use of a French polishers pad or "tampon", which allows me to put down a number of very thin coats WITH NO BRUSH MARKS. The varnish yields a tough coating that adds a bit of amber hue, which unifies the piece and gives it a warm glow.

The pad is simply a piece of knit cotton (old t-shirt) with a wad of cheese cloth or paper towel as an absorbent core. tie it with some string, dab in your thinned varnish & wipe. Between coats, I sand (400 grit) and tack off the dust. The final coating requires very little polishing.

I think you will agree that the result has great clarity and adds depth to the QUILTED BIG LEAF MAPLE. Of course the CHERRY surround & legs will deepen in color over time, which will increase the contrast between the two woods I've chosen. The original EIPSE SIDE TABLE was originally finished in shellac which, while beautiful, is not suitably tough for a tabletop likely to see both hot liquids & alcohol (it's solvent!).

Coming soon: Bringing the WINDSOR CHAIR into the 21st century. -Rich

Ready At Last:THE WEDGE CHAIR

Luckily, the late day winter sun cooperated, and i snapped this recent shop photo (TOP). I think it shows the reason for an EBONIZED finish vs. black paint, in that the natural grain and figure of the wood is quite evident, rather than buried under a heavy film. I wanted the formality of black wed to the natural charm of solid hardwood.

After searching around a bit, I have decided on a Leopard pattern fabric to highlight the EBONIZED finish and POLISHED BRASS trim, as well as the Walnut finish of the WEDGE TABLE. Also, It helps to convey a sense of playfulness which is a counterpoint to the crisp geometry of the structural elements. Of course other fabrics, including an UltraSuede will also be available.

Also pictured (BOTTOM) is the same chair with a hand rubbed finish on natural American Walnut. Again, the finish is a subtle treatment that is intended to protect the wood while exposing the inherent beauty of the material.

Presently, the plan is for a photo session to produce an image of the WEDGE TABLE & CHAIRS as a set, to be posted at a later time both here and on our website.

'Till then. -Rich

Coming Soon:ELIPSE COFFEE TABLE

I have long promised to offer a Coffee Table that will coordinate with my ELIPSE SIDE TABLE, and that is getting closer. The photos i've included here show: how i've devised a long beam compass to create a proper arc for the apron boards - another shows the completed parts with jointery cut & lastly, a view of the dry fitted base in QUILTED BIG LEAF MAPLE (see august 23rd post) & CHERRY. I've struggled with finessing just the right curve for the legs, and am finally satisfied with the union of leg and apron curves. I hope you agree!
COMING SOON: the WEDGE CHAIR in EBONIZED WALNUT is complete, awaiting only the arrival of the correct fabric for the slip seat. Images will appear here shortly. -Rich