Popular Woodworking 2008-08 № 170, страница 44

Federal period woodworking. This shelf clock exhibits many attributes of Federal furniture design. The use of veneer and inlay work (bandings, stringing and a pictorial inlay) signaled a transition from Queen Anne and Chippendale furniture.

The Attraction of Veneer

The expansion of American trade in the 18th century delivered many exotic and beauti ful veneers. Cabinetmakers of the period certainly explored the use of those veneers. Veneers were used with dramatic effect to decorate surfaces in geometric patterns or those surfaces were used as a pallete to display highly figured veneers. Often these veneers were outlined with stringing or bandings of multiple contrasting woods.

At first 1 had only a vague understanding of what veneering was, but the idea of being able to use thin sheets of wood, hide glue and a veneer hammer to produce striking furniture facades fascinated me. Today, that process still has me in its grip; there is nothing like it.

Veneering is actually an easy way to decorate a beautiful piece of furniture because Mother Nature has done the hard part by creating such diverse species and impressive grain patterns. Veneering also allows you to create objects that wouldn't be possible in solid wood - the sunburst pattern on the candlestand shown on the previous page, for example - and work withspecies not commonly available as thicker lumber.

Bandings, Paterae and Stringing

Equally interesting are the bandings. These display an astounding level of craftsmanship,

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especially when viewed in light of the conditions under which period craftsmen worked. 1 appreciate the geometry of bandings. It gives me an opportunity to do precise work and apply some creativity in their production.

Pictures in wood. Different veneer species and/ or dyes, along with sand shading, give this inlay depth and "pop." Notice the fine, engraved lines that define the arrows held in the eagle's claw.