24 Hour Classes
INSTRUCTOR: Bill Robertson, Artisan
COURSE: Wood and Metal Work
PROJECT: 17th Century Carved Chest with Iron Strapping (This class is FULL)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is a class for students to go beyond the typical woodworking to learn basic carving and making of iron hardware and hinges. While this chest, measuring 1 5/8" long, is based on a 17th Century European example, the same techniques can be used to make Japanese Tansu chest hardware or decorative brass hinges. Since the focus is on carving and metal work the wooden parts will be precut assuming everyone would already know how to do those tasks.
Students will start off by tracing the designs on to
Swiss pear wood from reversible templates. These lines
will then be followed with a knife and then the surrounding
areas will be removed with chisels leaving the design in
relief. This will be textured with chasing stamps made
from antique masters. Beading and detailing along with a
cloverleaf will complete the carving.
The iron work will be pre-engraved and drilled on stacked steel blanks; this will save a lot of class time doing repetitive drilling. The strapping, lock, and hinges will be sawn out with a jeweler’s saw and the edges beveled with a file. The details include an offset lock and “Devil’s Tail” ends on the hinges. The steel will then be heated red hot with a torch to soften it so the hinges can be bent to shape. They will then be reheated to color them. Students will learn to take regular brass pins and make them into hand forged rose head nails. The brass side handles will be made from special casting.
TIME:
24 hours. Completion is likely but students may need to work some overtime.
POWER TOOLS:
none
SKILL LEVEL:
Beginner and intermediate
MATERIALS FEE:
$95 to be collected at school