Display Case

[BrokenolMarine]

I watched the lined shoeprint beveling section again this morning, and after coffee, went out to start. I looked at all the work I had done so far and thought, I need to give this a try first. I selected a scrap piece from the bucket and quickly tooled it to the same condition as the large panel, then taking the footprint bevel, started the shading. It actually went well. I was pleased with the results, and added the accent cuts too.

40 practice scrap.jpg (442.99 KiB) Viewed 2209 times

Comfortable now, I started on the large panel and took my time. One thing I learned, it's slow going. There are about thirty five columns on each side, and in the hour or so of tooling before I had to stop, I knocked out ten. NOT going to push and make a mistake or end up having to take a couple day's break because I didn't listen to the body... arthur tells me when to stop and rest.

41 started on the panel.jpg (481.28 KiB) Viewed 2209 times

The newly tooled section is on the left, you should be able to see the difference, and I think it's coming along well. In the long run, it will be worth the pain, especially once the border is added.

More later, watch this space.

[BrokenolMarine]

I went back out to work on the panel, but only got through about four columns when I was done. Headache came on. I think the day was done hand wise and head wise. I did however get a finish test done on the scrap first. I used a yellow stain on one half, and let that dry, then treated the entire scrap piece with Watco natural oil, and let that dry. Then antiqued the panel with Medium Walnut antique. I'm leaning toward the side with the yellow base, but may try another test panel with watco golden oak then antique before I make up my mind. I want to be sure before I put in all that work then apply that much finish.

42 finish test.jpg (383.03 KiB) Viewed 2206 times

I may get another session in late this evening.

[BrokenolMarine]

Last long session for the evening. I got the side finished and my Maker's Mark done... since it's on that side. There were a couple dings in the edge, but I'll clean those up before applying the dyes and the finish.

43 makers mark.jpg (522.49 KiB) Viewed 2199 times

This was a lot of work over the course of the day, but as you can see comparing the two sides, it really brings it to life.

44 one side done.jpg (627.96 KiB) Viewed 2199 times

Here is a closer look, sorta, at the finished tooling. Tomorrow, I'll make the accent cuts on this side, then start on the other side. I WON'T be adding dye/stains until I tool the borders.

[Hatchdog]

I thought it looked great before the shading and accent cuts but man was I wrong. The work you did sure makes the basketweave pop. Can’t wait to see it with the color added. Nice work and my hands are having sympathy pains for yours.

[BrokenolMarine]

Had to run errands this morning. Miss T usually takes that but she has been down with the Flu, (We hope... ) She has had Covid twice... light bouts, but this time she is miserable. Stuffed up, aching, headaches, face swollen. A good incentive for me to work in the shop.

She runs the errands because she hates being cooped up and can get in and out faster than I can get IN the store.
She also can remember what she goes in for. I take a list or I forget things. I'll hopefully work on the project this afternoon... it's calling, I can hear it.

[BrokenolMarine]

Back at it after the boss laid down to hide from the "Flu." I got settled in and started tooling. I managed to knock out a little over a third and stopped. I didn't want to push it and start making mistakes. I am actually looking forward to tooling the border, I love the serpentine pattern, but you have to be VERY careful. Misplace the tool, or one errant strike and the very formal pattern... ... is glaringly wrong. You can start over on a strap or a belt, but on a panel this size?

46 don't push it.jpg (393.07 KiB) Viewed 2187 times

Should be up for another session this afternoon or evening.

[BrokenolMarine]

Long(ish) session this morning. I finished the shader work and did the accent cuts on both sides. The internal tooling is done. I may find a block here or there than needs individual attention later, to clean up it's look, but for the most part, it's done.

47 internal tooling done.jpg (900.15 KiB) Viewed 2169 times

All I can say is THAT was a bunch of work. Below is a bit closer look. The one side looks a bit darker because it's still wet from the tooling. They match when they dry.

48 close up.jpg (913.91 KiB) Viewed 2169 times

I'll take a decent break, eat a sandwich or something, then go back out and start on the border. I've been looking forward to that. Once the panel is all tooled up, I'll start the dye/stain process, and while each phase dries, go back to work on the woodworking / construction phase. There is no light at the end of the tunnel yet, but I don't feel like I'm stalled in the traffic jam any longer.

[BrokenolMarine]

Back out for an afternoon session to tool the borders. The serpentine borders just requires one tool, and it's a slow and steady process. You tool one edge with the tool, placing the design down the edge, then offset by half on the other edge, and end up with the cool border. This is how you begin.

49 beginning serpentine border.jpg (412.73 KiB) Viewed 2166 times

Placement is everything. The back edge of the tool must be square, the width of your tooling window must work, and when you begin the second side, you must center the point on the loop on the other side. I finished the first side and it was looking good, slow and steady paid off.

50 One side done.jpg (361.48 KiB) Viewed 2166 times

I worked slowly thru the second side and thankfully, no errors of note.

52 both sides done.jpg (304.92 KiB) Viewed 2166 times

Here is the long view.

53 full view.jpg (611.91 KiB) Viewed 2166 times

I'll let the panel dry overnight and then begin the staining / finishing process in the morning, and get back to work on the display case itself. The investment in the leather background appears to have been worth the effort.

** I can go in first and flatten the little ticks and tabs where the tool left them to make the "snake" seem to sway within the window... some do, some don't... we'll see. I'm a bit anal, I'll probably take the spoon end of the scribe and do just that. (Tomorrow.)

[BrokenolMarine]

Out for an evening session. Used the Stylus and got rid of the tics, then before dyeing the panel, I added one more thing, a little personal touch to the Serpentine Pattern. I always thought the pattern's corners looked like a snakehead, so I ADD eyes. I like the effect. It is called a Serpent (ine) pattern after all.

54 A little personal touch.jpg (656.04 KiB) Viewed 2162 times

After covering the work table, I dyed the panel yellow for a base. JUST a base, a lot of folks HATE that yellow, but it's JUST the base. Once it's antiqued, then treated with the Natural Watco Oil, it's toned down and gives a rich glow to the project. It should look good behind the knives.

55 yellow dye.jpg (465.57 KiB) Viewed 2162 times

I have been using the cover from my table saw (Seen in the background, to cover the panel to keep the dust and such off of it overnight while it dries. With the stain on it, I didn't want the cover to touch it. I put four clamps on the edge of the work table, then tented the dust cover using four smaller clamps. Should keep the dust off until morning.

56 tented this time.jpg (152.56 KiB) Viewed 2162 times

Adapt and overcome.

[Hatchdog]

Snake eyes, nice touch! That border sure gives your project a nice finished touch. Yeah, that yellow is horrible but as you showed in your test piece horrible turns to wonderful in time.