Popular Woodworking 2004-12 № 145, страница 40

Shaker-inspired

Bench

Some simple adaptations turn this 19th-century bench into a modern mudroom necessity.

There is an old Shaker hymn called "Simple Gifts" that begins with this line: "Tis the gift to be simple." This bench carries many of the qualities that the Shakers valued. The design is straightforward and driven by function, yet it's also graceful and elegant. The construction is obvious and building it doesn't require anything beyond simple tools and techniques.

The antique Shaker bench that inspired this piece actually led two lives. It was originally made without a back at the Hancock Shaker village. As it got older (and presumably the brothers or sisters using it also got older) wood was scabbed onto the back of the ends, and the backrest was added, making it more comfortable.

Made of pine, the original was longer - 94" -and likely was used with a dining table. I liked the look and simplicity of this piece, but I decided to make a shorter version for use in an entry hall or mudroom.

I used cherry, and happened upon a single board that was wide enough, and long enough, for the seat and the end pieces. If you're not as fortunate, you'll need to glue up stock for width, which is what I was planning to do on the way to the lumberyard.

by Robert W. Lang

Comments or questions? Contact Bob at 513-531-2690 ext. 1327 or robert.lang@fwpubs.com.

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100 Popular Woodworking December 2004