Competition WIP thread - Oak coffee table with DVD storage

[Karl]

Hi folks

After spending several hours pi$$ing round with Sketchup, I decided that if this project is to get off the ground I had better get my pencil and paper out. So here is a quick idea of what this project is about:

As you can see, I am no artist! My proportions look a little out - the dimensions (not set in stone) are 1000mm wide, 500mm high and 500mm deep.

The drawers will be accessible from either side - a push me/pull me arrangement. So the back will look identical to the front face you can see on the sketch.

The carcass construction will be of solid timber. I haven't decided yet whether to use through dovetails or blind mitred dovetails for the construction - I like the idea of following the grain around the piece with the latter, but don't like the idea of cutting them. :lol: There will be a chamfer detail on the inside edge of the carcass, and the drawers will sit flush with the inside edge of the chamfer.

Drawers will be half lap/blind dovetails. Not sure whether to go for a contrasting timber for the drawer sides (Walnut?) or stick to all Oak.

I'm off to the timber yard in the week to get the timber.

Any comments appreciated.

Cheers

Karl

 

[MikeG.]

Interesting idea, the push-me-pull-you drawers!

You will need some sort of locating device so that they sit flush on both sides when closed..........perhaps a roller-ball catch mating with a dimple in a drawer side, or something similar.

Mike

 

[wizer]

Design is always a subjective thing. Personally wouldn't go with anything 'Antique' in my living room. It just depends on what you like and what you want it to blend in with. Furthermore, are you trying to impress the judges or your missus? I'd suggest that the blind dovetails will impress us wood nerds but might be lost of the fairer sex?

I like Mike's idea of a locator for the drawers.

 

[Karl]

Mike - good idea. I have seen this type of drawer before, but the only locating mechanism was the users hand!

Tom - quote - "I'd suggest that the blind dovetails will impress us wood nerds but might be lost of the fairer sex?". Precisely - there are judges to impress in this competition!

The antique brass handle was simply an idea on the top of my head. I've not yet decided on the handle choice.

Cheers

Karl

 

[Paul Chapman]

I haven't decided yet whether to use through dovetails or blind mitred dovetails for the construction - I like the idea of following the grain around the piece with the latter, but don't like the idea of cutting them. :lol:

Very nice, Karl. I'd think twice about those secret mitre dovetails :-k I saw Rob's casket, which used them, during it's construction and it's a fantastic joint if you are confident you can get it right. However, it's probably one of the most difficult joints to cut and when it's finished you can't even see it If you decide to go for it, I'd do lots of practice pieces.........

I'd leave the decision about what handles to use until the job is finished - always a difficult decision and probably better to leave your options open.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[OPJ]

As you can see, I am no artist!

Sketches don't have to be works of art though, it's the look of the finished job that really counts! :wink:

If you want to use a contrasting timber for the drawers sides, it normally works better have lighter sides contrasting against the fronts.

I also agree with Paul's comments on Secret Mitred Dovetails. If you can pull it off, yes, you'll feel great. But, no-one will ever see it - you may as well just use a biscuit! :?

 

[Dave S]

Very nice, Karl. I'd think twice about those secret mitre dovetails :-k I saw Rob's casket, which used them, during it's construction and it's a fantastic joint if you are confident you can get it right. However, it's probably one of the most difficult joints to cut and when it's finished you can't even see it If you decide to go for it, I'd do lots of practice pieces.........

And Rob's casket was in the advanced category.

The thought of secret mitre dovetails in the intermediate level is more than a little scary! :shock:

Dave

 

[Karl]

The thought of secret mitre dovetails in the intermediate level is more than a little scary! :shock:

Dave

That's a fair point Dave, and one which I've been thinking about today.

If I felt confident enough to pull off the blind mitred dovetails, then I would probably have to put the entry into the Advanced category. Not that I consider myself advanced, but because the joinery undertaken is of an advanced nature. If you understand what I mean.

Cheers

Karl

 

[Dave S]

That's a fair point Dave, and one which I've been thinking about today.

If I felt confident enough to pull off the blind mitred dovetails, then I would probably have to put the entry into the Advanced category. Not that I consider myself advanced, but because the joinery undertaken is of an advanced nature. If you understand what I mean.

Cheers

Karl

Yes I do know what you mean - really I feel in the same position but lower down the scale. I've put myself in intermediate because I think my chosen project will require intermediate skills to pull off successfully. I think of myself more as an 'advanced beginner', though

It's a conundrum, isn't it?

Dave

 

[Ironballs]

Go for the through dovetails Karl, I think they'll look great, especially if you do end up choosing oak

 

[Paul Chapman]

If I felt confident enough to pull off the blind mitred dovetails, then I would probably have to put the entry into the Advanced category. Not that I consider myself advanced, but because the joinery undertaken is of an advanced nature.

I disagree Karl. I think the category refers to the maker, not what he is making. If Alan Peters or David Savage entered the competition but decided to make something really simple, would you expect them to enter it in the beginner or intermediate category? I don't think so :wink:

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[MikeG.]

I think Paul has it spot on..........

Judge your own level of ability and experience and place yourself according to that. I see those categories as about the person and not the project.

Mike

 

[jlawrence]

I think it makes you re-evaluate your own skill level. If the project requires advanced joinery then it is unlikely your a beginner. I find most people tend to under estimate their own level through simple modesty.