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~