Popular Woodworking 2005-10 № 150, страница 62

Shown here are three similar case pieces with upper and lower sections. Each has a different treatment for the cornice, waist and base. All are reproductions in the 18th-century North American style, but each carries the maker's individual touch. The cornice and base pieces are highlighted here. Even though there are similarities, each has subtle design changes to make the piece unique.

pose (no matter how large) other than dressing up the case furniture.

The plinth, what we'd most commonly call the base, can also be simple or elaborate. The detailing on this section can take the form of feet (as mentioned earlier), but that still leaves lots of room for personal expression as shown on the three case pieces above.

But that's certainly not the end of the decorative opportunities. Because we're dealing with boxes arranged with other boxes, sometimes that transition from one box to another is an opportunity for decorative detail. In particular, when an upper and lower case piece (such as the secretaries above) changes dimensions, some transitional detail is helpful. This is referred to as the waist of the cabinet and often waist moulding is used to smooth out that transition (see the next page). Essentially an inverted crown moulding (as the upper case should always be smaller than the lower case) the waist moulding can also be simple or elaborate.

But the decorative opportunities don't end here. The doors and drawers themselves will add ample opportunity to continue adding to the boxes. The doors can be dramatically figured panels set in frames, or they can be glass doors to allow the items inside (whether rare books or family crystal) visible to all. Even the glass panels can add to the decoration as shown above.

And we haven't even approached the concept of carvings, columns, appliques inlay or marquetry.

This series may be all about the intricacies of building boxes, but there's noth

ing simple or boring about boxes. They're the cornerstone of most of our furniture, so we'll make sure you get the right information to build perfect casework for your home. PW

This classic bonnet top by Lonnie Bird dramatically enhances the look of the basic box, which in this case is a tall clock.

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