Scroll down to see my journey on the original “oneTree” project (2015 – 2016)
My project: The piece I entered into this exhibition is a simple slab-style bench – an open, free-form shape for casual sitting. It uses 2 live edge slabs from the “oneTree” for the top, end-joined with a long, reinforced scarf-miter joint. The legs are short slab gable ends, dovetailed into the top slabs. The natural curve of the individual pieces lends interest and “movement”, creating a zig-zag look to the bench. I call it the “Offset Bench”.
the concept sketch – “Offset Bench”
delivery day – raw slabs
my oneTree slabs – beginnings of a bench lay-out
first cuts on bench top with track saw
the shape emerges
flattening the slab
edge-jointing the scarf joint
routing mortises in top – scarf joint
cutting dovetails
final trimming on dovetails
marking out the mating “pins”
cutting the mating pins
chopping-out waste – mallet & chisel
“dry-fit” test of joint
applying glue to dovetail joint (epoxy)
the “clamp-up” – one half of the bench
sanding the end of one half of the bench
tenons of scarf joint – ready for assembly
dry-fit of scarf joint
final assembly -“clamp-up”
smooth planing and scraping
trimming off the sharp edges
final sanding before finishing
sneak preview – 1st coat of oil finish – color explodes!
-to see finished project photos, check out the “Paul T. Furniture” page
The “Offset Bench” is now on display and for sale at “Plank & Coil” in Portland, Oregon
~please enquire if interested~