Traditional Projects

Culled from the pages of Fine Woodworking magazine, these projects walk you through the process of building and finishing elegant works of furniture that have stood the test of time. From tables and beds to clocks and caseworks, youll come to understand what makes classic design so pleasing to the eye. In addition, youll learn to design pieces that are beautiful and proportionally harmonious

Introduction

Section 1: Tables
Harvest Table
Pembroke Table
One Drawer Lamp Stand
Tilt-Top Table
Drop-Leaf Breakfast Table

Section 2: Beds
Construct a Classic Bed
Making a Sheraton Bed

Section 3: Clocks
Shaker-Style Clock
Shaker Tall Clock

Section 4: Chests
18th Century Six-Board Chest
A Shaker Blanket Chest

Section 5: Casework
Captains Desk is Compact and Efficient
Cherry Chest of Drawers
Building a Strong, Light Carcase
A Small Bureau Built to Last
Shaker Sewing Stand Remains Stylish Practical
Corner Cupboard
Step-Back Cupboard
Pegged Post-and Beam Armoire Knocks Down

When I was new to woodworking, I was determined to build pieces only of my own design. One of my design tenets was that a piece of furniture gained something from the use of multiple species of wood, the more the better. It was during this early period that I conceived a tall, straight-backed chair of walnut, ash, and oak inspired by the ergonomics of a skyscraper. Besides being uncoordinated visually, the chair lacked the essential function of comfort. I had spent 40 hours making the equivalent of a stump. Later that winter I chainsawed the chair into small pieces and tossed them into the fireplace. I finally had succeeded in coaxing a few minutes of comfort from my first chair.

That failed project taught me that I had a lot to learn from the masters. I went back to work building classic pieces in the Shaker and Craftsman traditions, which fit in well with my home. But more importantly, they were functional, too.

Whether you aspire to design your own work, or simply need plans to walk you through the process of building useful pieces, the projects in this collection provide a great variety of challenges and styles to suit many skill levels and tastes.

Tables large and small are included as are beds designed in high style or with storage in mind. Need more storage? Build a blanket chest or a chest of drawers. Want something smaller? Try your hand at building a wall-hung corner cabinet.

Culled from the pages of Fine Woodworking magazine, these projects walk you through the process of building and finishing elegant works of furniture that have stood the test of time. If you decide to design your own furniture some day, the skills you learn building these traditional pieces will help you avoid using a chainsaw to undo mistakes.

Anatole Burkin, editor
Fine Woodworking