RobertMP Sideboard [Beginner] Final Submission [Complete]

[RobertMP]

I've been back from Canada for a few days now and been concentrating on editing my photos!

On the last day before I left I did get a first coat of polyurethane on everything so I need to get that rubbed down and another coat applied.

Just checking in briefly to let you know I'm still around.

I'll sort out a few Canada photos and post them here later (general chat) for those that might be interested.

 

[ByronBlack]

Welcome back, hope you had a good time in Canada, looking foward to seeing the piece with the finish, it's already quite impressive.

 

[RobertMP]

I got kidnapped and forced to do outdoor decorating. SWMBO has set be free now so the main carcase has had a couple of coats and will be finished in a day or two. Want to get that out of the workshop as I don't have room to have all the door faces etc. around at the same time and will do them after.

the end is nigh

Final pictures soon!

 

[RobertMP]

Well I wasted a fair bit of time trying different satin polyurethanes. None of them seemed to dry to an even finish. So in the end I gave up and used gloss. I like the nice even look it gives just not sure about the gloss level.

Once we have lived with it for a while I'll decide if I want to try satin again. May just go for a light rub down and use acrylic if I do.

The top going on...

And the finished Sideboard

Well I'm calling it finished. Couldn't find any 1/4" dowel for shelf pegs so the shelf is not fitted. Also want to give the top another coat so it is rubbed down and waiting.

Oh and I made the bowl and picked the pears

 

[ByronBlack]

that is wonderful! One of the best pieces i've seen on this forum! You definitely get my vote. Well done Rob!!

 

[GCR]

Well done, an excellent piece of work which looks the part.

Bob

 

[Chris Knight]

Robert,
That's a super result - very well done.

Re the gloss - I always use a gloss finish then take it back to whatever level of satin I want by rubbing down with a fine abrasive - anything from 500 grit to 4000. This provides a much nicer result than satin finishes which are simply gloss with some flatteners added. These can settle out and unless stirred like crazy, they can result in an uneven result - they also scatter light differently from a fine rubbed finish and I prefer the latter look.

 

[RobertMP]

Re the gloss - I always use a gloss finish then take it back to whatever level of satin I want by rubbing down with a fine abrasive - anything from 500 grit to 4000. This provides a much nicer result than satin finishes which are simply gloss with some flatteners added. These can settle out and unless stirred like crazy, they can result in an uneven result - they also scatter light differently from a fine rubbed finish and I prefer the latter look.

Very interesting! I'd thought it looked quite good when rubbed down before the final coat - never considered doing it as a finish!

 

[Mcluma]

that is a nice piece of furniture and that is one hell of a gloss

it is almost like a mirror

 

[dedee]

Excellent stuff Robert.

It is going to be hard for the judges and the rest of us this year as the standard seems to be growing.

Andy

 

[Escudo]

Well done indeed Rob. Looks great.

Proportions seem perfect, a very useful piece of furniture.

In fact, I think it is so good, you deserve to be promoted to at least the intermediate league (ignoring my own vested concerns of course :roll: )

Good luck in the competion. My shoe box sitting on the top of that sideboard would certainly enhance my chances of sucess.

Cheers, Esc.

 

[TonyW]

Very well done Rob - What a gloss 8)

Cheers
Tony

 

[shedhead]

Well done Rob
I love the units style and finish.

 

[RobertMP]

Very well done Rob - What a gloss 8)

Cheers
Tony

We've got used to the gloss now and like it so the finish stays.

Awaiting delivery of a cane 3 piece suite to replace the one we had that now looks very old in the same room as this. The design should scale well so the plan is for some more matching smaller items around the seating - once it is here and we can see the sizes needed.

Thanks for the comments.

 

[OPJ]

This is an excellent piece and I'm sure you've learned a lot in making it and trying out some new techniques. I do like how you're 'hidden' the end grain on the drawer fronts - not something I've seen before, but it works really well in following the design of the doors below. Excellent use of all possible storage space.

 

[andycktm]

Move up to the next class(at least) and you've got my vote.

 

[RobertMP]

Thanks for the compliment

If you read the whole thread you will see I made my share of beginners mistakes along the way :lol:

This sideboard is only the 4th thing I've made (unless I've forgotten something) and the other 3 were quite small tables for positioning at the end of sofas in the lounge. No stopping me now.....apart from all the decorating type tasks I keep being told are more important!

 

[andycktm]

No problem mate,i just thing your doing your self an injustice