Creative Woodworks & crafts 2004-04, страница 52

continued from page 50

This is what the project would look like without the relief carving. The large waste piece in the chest area has been replaced because we carved it. If it had simply been sawn, we would have left it out.

Blow off or vacuum the project before applying the finish. If you did not carve it, remove the pattern and ALL temporary-bond spray residue with paint thinner and then allow it to dry.

We brushed on Wotco Wipe-on-Poly and wiped it off with a lint-free rag, applying 4 coats over 6 days.

One of the features we use on mary of our gallery pieces is a frame. They are simple to make and add considerable value to the item by serving as an attractive artistic accent. A frame should never be the focal point, but rather a complementary boundary that keeps the eye focused on the subject. We tried several different combinations of frame styles and liners before starting on the finished version. The primary concern is allowing enough room for seasonal wood movement without creating a fit that is too sloppy. Wood at 12% moisture content will shrink to around 6% during the winter in a heated house. That means this piece of cherry will shrink about 3/16", and the 1/4" border we left around the project might show. To compensate for that, we routed a 1/16" rabbet into the frame stock (wide enough to allow for the depth of the project

and any accent or backer board). If you make your frame stock in the same manner we did and have to route the rabbet, be sure to raise the cutter for the first pass. By doing this, you will maintain an even bearing surface and end up with a neater job than if you started on the bottom and worked upward. The rabbet bit has to have enough length to make the top pass without letting the spindle hit the frame material. Notice in the photograph that the spindle just clears the working stock. The face edge was made with a 1 /4" roundover bit.

Lower the cutter and make the final pass.

We made up a miter box to fit the frame material and the width of the saw.

We used a stationary belt sander to fine-tune the angle and length. You can make a jig for a handheld belt sander that will do the same thing. It really makes frame design easier.

16 • Creative Woodworks 8. Crafts April 2004