In this episode of WoodWorks, we're diving into a project that blends aesthetics and craftsmanship: an elegant three-paneled folding screen with an ebonized frame. This piece, inspired by Asian design, presents both a visual delight and a woodworking challenge.
Here's our journey:
* We start with selecting Australian lacewood for the panels, known for its stunning grain patterns, and maple for the frame. The contrast between the dark ebonized maple and the vibrant lacewood creates a striking visual appeal.
* The construction kicks off with milling the maple for our frame, followed by precision cuts on the table saw to prepare our rails and stiles.
* Joinery is at the heart of this project. We employ mortise and loose tenon techniques to ensure the frame's durability and integrity. Given the unique design of the crest rail, our joinery sizes vary, adding an interesting layer to the process.
* We emphasize the craft of making tenons from rough wood, involving multiple steps from jointing, ripping, to final planing, ensuring they fit perfectly into our mortises.
* A critical feature of our screen is the wooden knuckle hinges, which allow the panels to fold. We craft these with precision, ensuring a smooth operation and integrating them seamlessly into the frame.
* Design elements like the wedge-shaped details and the crest rails are meticulously cut and shaped, adding to the screen's dynamic tension and overall aesthetic.
* Ebonizing the maple frame transforms the wood to a deep, rich black, offering an affordable alternative to ebony and highlighting the frame against the lacewood panels.
* Finishing touches include oiling the lacewood panels to accentuate their grain and applying a smooth, shiny finish to the ebonized frames.
This folding screen project is a testament to the beauty that can be achieved when contrasting materials and intricate techniques come together. We're excited to guide you through each step, showcasing the skills and decisions that go into crafting such a timeless piece.
--------------------------------------
Woodworking can be dangerous. Employ good safety practices, exercise caution, and always be sure to wear proper eye and face protection. David J. Marks assumes NO LIABILITY for injury or accidents. Safety awareness is imperative to prevent personal injury. Educate yourself by learning and following the safety guidelines and usage procedures that are outlined in the operator manual of your tools.