May 2010:
Cherry Sideboard
This is a custom sideboard/buffet, made out of cherry. We started with the rough dimensions allowed by the space, and worked from there with the client on design.
Below, are the basics of the design.
First, the parts for the main structure of the sideboard are milled. This sideboard includes frame and panel sides and back.
Mortises are cut in the legs, and tenons are made on the rails.
The tenons each are fit to the corresponding mortise.
The basic frame is complete.
Next I cut and fit all the center panel dividers for the sides and back, and cut and fit all the internal framework to support the top three drawers and the lower cupboard bottom. Also the arches were cut in the lower aprons.
Dovetails and mortise and tenon joints hold this sideboard together. Even though this joinery is not visible its strength is unmatched.
The panels for the back and sides are then glued up.
Once dry the panels are cut to size. Here the right side panels are in place.
There will be three drawers in the upper section of this sideboard. Stopped dadoes and stub tenons are used to hold the drawer separators in place, which are shown below.
Next, the bottom frame is fit and the 1/2” thick cherry bottom is milled and cut to size.
Next, the center divider for the bottom is fit. This will separate the two sides of doors on the bottom.
Here the bottom of the legs are tapered on the table saw.
The case is glued up now, and ready for doors and drawers.
Next, all the material for the doors is milled to size and thickness.
Then the mortise and tenon joinery is laid out by hand. The joinery is cut, then each tenon is sized to fit its corresponding mortise.
After all the joints are fit, the frame of the doors are complete. Next, the panels are milled from a solid piece of cherry. The rabbets are cut on the panels to fit in the groove of the doors.
After the panels are fit to the corresponding door frames, all the parts are cleaned up and sanded before being glued up.
The doors are now glued up and ready for final fitting. Next up will be the 3 top drawers.
The dovetailed drawers are then hand cut. The drawer fronts are cut from one board so that the grain pattern continues across the piece.
The drawer bottoms are made, and beveled to fit the groove around the bottom of the drawers. Next, all the parts are scraped and sanded before being glued up. The drawers are then glued and clamped. After the glue has dried on the drawers they are finish fit to there openings.
Next, the door hinges are mortised in on the case and doors then each door is precisely fit to its opening with hand tools.
Next, the material for the top is milled to size. This top is made from two consecutively cut 12” wide cherry boards, this is called “book matching”.
Small bread board ends are added for both function and looks. Bread board ends allow the top to move with the changing humidity, they also will keep this top perfectly flat.
Next, a small arc is cut in the front of the top, this complements the style on the rest of the sideboard. After the top is complete, the surface is prepared for finish with hand tools and sandpaper. This sideboard is getting a natural finish ( no stains or dye). A base coat of oil is applied, letting it soak into the wood for 30 minutes before the excess is wiped off.
The case, drawers and doors are all coated in oil and wiped after 30 min. The oil really brings out the natural color and beauty of cherry.
Check back soon for more progress......
