Popular Woodworking 2006-08 № 156, страница 12

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Letters

Uncommon Finish a Shock at First Glance

Byrdcliffe Cabinet Finish Superb

I think your representation of the Byrdcliffe vintage cabinet is world-class (April 2006, issue #154). When I read of the green stain I was really put off, but it came out superb. Is the color in the magazine photos accurate? If so, I think you have done the best Arts & Crafts finish I have ever seen.

Your treatment of the hardware is also great. I suspect you didn't achieve the hardware patina using household ammonia. Can you tell me what you used and a source please?

Bill Rittner Manchester, Connecticut

Thanks for the kind words. The color in the magazine is accurate. While it wasn't exactly common, green stains were used in the period. That was the first piece of furniture I ever stained green, and I'm pleased with how it turned out, especially now that it has had a few months to mellow.

To age the hardware I used 26 percent ammonia, commonly used in blueprint machines, but this strength isn't necessary. Household ammonia is about 5 percent concentration, and some hardware stores and janitorial suppliers have some that is around 10 percent. Any of these would work, but instead of a few hours it might take a day or two to age the hardware. If you use a clear plastic container, you can observe the process.

I used the strong ammonia because I had some on hand for fuming other Arts & Crafts furniture. Ammonia is nasty stuff, so if you only need to age some hardware, I would recommend the weaker, easier-to-find variety.

— Robert Lang, senior editor

Methodology Should Focus on Results

As an advanced beginner in woodworking, I am thankful for the publishers and authors who make available such a wide range of information about woodworking.

In the pages and online forums of magazines such as Popular Woodworking, I have learned about tools and techniques for machining and finishing for the woodworking I want to do. I thoroughly enj oy tip s from readers, featured projects and how-to explanations for better woodworking. My success is a direct result of this information.

Any method a woodworker use s to produce a beautiful result is indeed craftsmanship. I don't think any one method represents true craftsmanship while some other method does not, if the end result is the same. Craftsmanship using machines is just as authentic as that achieved by hand.

The choice of methodology depends on the project and the skills and desires of the individual, and is intrinsic to the satisfaction of working with wood. Some methods may be "better" than others and reading about them gives me options. Criticism of methodology should focus on end results, not tradition.

Jeff Watkins Newton, Utah

Queen Anne Tabletop Pins Allow Conversion to Slanted Writing Desk

I was reading the article written by Craig Bent-zley about the Queen Anne Table (April 2006) and it states: "No one is really sure why the tops were removable."

When I was a little fella, I was raised up in southern Oregon where I lived in the very small town of Hugo.

My parents had befriended an elderly lady by the name of Clara Stone, who ran the Hugo Trading Post and gas station. It was also the old railway station building.

Being the eldest, I was able to help Mrs. Stone with things around the shop, from inventory to cleaning and everything in between! As I assisted, I recall seeing one of those Queen Anne-style tables in her shop, just below what she used as an unofficial post continued on page 14

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Popular Woodworking August 2006