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Drawer materials: Phase II

Writer's picture: marc-huntermarc-hunter



Hi Pam and Peter!


Happy Friday, October 25, 2024!


Well, the theme for the week has been 'Patience,Process and did I mention, Patience?'


It was very productive in the shop.


As the next phase of the drawer material processing has officially kicked into high gear, the first goal was to get all of the drawer parts (311 pieces to be exact) to the same thickness/flatness while achieving glue-ready straight edges.


The second goal was to begin gluing up the panels that make the drawer fronts. After a lot of review/contemplation/head scratching on each front, I did call audibles several times and removed some boards that weren't a good fit for color and/or grain. Once I mix/matched and achieved the balance I/we are looking for, it was time to get them into clamps. Sigh...


The hours and days spent preparing the stock for the glue-up stage is the only way to ensure success and keep the panels flat and uniform. If this goes awry, it makes each subsequent step a nightmare. I like to sleep through the night....


All of the drawer faces are now glued up into panels and they went through some light passes on the drum sander to clean up the faces/glue seams.


In the middle photo, you'll see the glue beads or squeeze-out during clamping. This is what I look for as a consistent bead size across the length of the glue seam tells me that the appropriate amount and spread of glue has been applied.


I'm very pleased with the results!.


The colors and character of the white oak is absolutely stunning and natural, yet not perfect. You might see the occasional small knot or a series of tiny worm holes that bring life to the surface, literally. This is the beauty of solid wood versus commercial grade veneers. The look and feel cannot be replicated.


The next task will be to glue up all of the other components of the drawers, this includes the side and back panels, and get all the parts ready for phase III, creating the joinery that will make the assembled drawer box itself, in all it's glory. Can't wait!


But, I'll be patient...


Until the next post.....


Cheers!








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2 Comments


Pam Nelson
Pam Nelson
Oct 25, 2024

Marc,


Thanks for this installment of "Week with Marc in the Workshop," henceforth referred to as "WMW". Additionally, thanks for your answer to my query about wavy lines from the first blog entry. I exercised some patience in waiting for your helpful reply (haha)! I see the wavy lines continued to be of service once the boards had been glued together.


Your explanation of the importance of preparing the stock for the glue up stage reminds me of knitting and sewing. . . Small mistakes can throw off the way a garment fits together or a pattern is maintained. You don't think it matters, but it does.


BTW, your use of "calling in an audible" was nicely placed!


Have a…

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marc-hunter
marc-hunter
Oct 28, 2024
Replying to

WMW, perfect!

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