DennisZongker

Dennis Zongker, Omaha, NE, US
contributor

I have been a professnal custom furniture maker for 27 years. My brother Dan & I, are the owners of Zongkers Custom Woods Inc. This year we are celebrating are 20th year anniversary in 2009. Our web site is www.zongkers.com Please take a look at some of are hundreds of pieces of furniture. I specialize in carving, marquetry, & engineering on Auto Cad. What I enjoy the most is making a piece of furniture form the beginning design stages. All the way threw to the very last finishing stages.

Gender: Male

Birthday: 09/14/1962

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Contributions

"Toning, Staining and Spraying a Polyurethane Finish"

Nov 13, 2011
1 comment

Polyurethane is a clear finish topcoat for wood that offers long-lasting protection and also moves with the wood. Polyurethane finishes are much more resistant to moisture and spills and moderate...

How to Cut Decorative Parquetry or Marquetry Using the Window Method

Jul 3, 2011
6 comments

This Marquetry or Decorative Parquetry panel is an insert for a conference table. This is the companies logo, It’s an abstract design of an Black Hawk. The panel size is 24rdquo...

Cartoon Marquetry

Jun 29, 2011
8 comments

A fun take on traditional marquetry.

"Wood Carved Jhoola" Indoor India Swing Bench

Jun 3, 2011
1 comment

I just finished making & carving this unique indoor India swing bench, for a customer, it is also known as the Oonjal or Jhoola. This type of swing bench is not readily available without an...

"Music Box"

May 9, 2011
6 comments

This one took me a lot longer then I thought it would. From designing to completion it took me right around six months, working in the evenings and weekends. Putting the sound holes in the bottom and...

Segmented Turned Feet are Easier than You Think

Mar 18, 2011
9 comments

These turned feet looked stunning when all was said and done—and the process is more straight-forward than you might think!

Carved, "Methodist Flames" 3"thick x 4'-0" wide x 14'-0" long

Jan 20, 2011
3 comments

Carving, with a "Power Grinder"

"Green Man"

Nov 15, 2010
1 comment

"Who Is the Green Man?The “Green Man” is the symbol of an ancient character of Nature, recognized and respected by many civilizations and adopted by many religions. His name means the...

England's, Queen Victorian Style, King Bed

Aug 31, 2010
4 comments

My brother, Dan Zongker, met with the customer and designed three pieces of furniture for their bedroom, a bed, dresser, and nightstand. The customer was looking for somethingnbsptraditional...

"Victorian Style Dresser"

Jun 27, 2010
2 comments

The Dresser size is 40" tall x 25 1/4" deep x 74 1/2" long.   It's made out of solid cherry And cherry veneer core plywood. The drawers are out of solid maple.   It took me approximately...

Griffin Table

Jun 24, 2010
24 comments

This piece of furniture took me around 1100 hours to make. Carving and marquetry added to a piece of furniture can really take you back in time. When designing this piece I really wanted to add...

L-Shaped Supports for Carving on Turned Spindles

May 20, 2010
7 comments

Whether It's spindles you've turned yourself or if you have purchase them from a supplier, I have found it's easer to carve them by making two L shaped supports. It provides much more...

Teaching My First Carving Class: An Ornamental Sunflower

May 13, 2010
1 comment

I'm very excited to be teaching my first carving class, starting on Saturday, May 15th I was asked by Gerry Phelan the owner of, “Midwest Woodworkers,”a well known woodworking store here...

"Game Table"

May 12, 2010
1 comment

  This game table was made for a customer to match their chairs. The center is set down 1" with two holes, one on each side to change out the game boards from Chess to backgammon. nbspThe...

"680 Pound Workbench" Made Out Of Old Growth, White Oak

Feb 9, 2010
5 comments

I made my workbench about 8 years ago. It was made out of 100 year old white oak. The Timbers we used for a old beer company in Omaha Nebraska called Falstaff. The Timbers were used to hold up the...

Carved Frame & Marquetry Picture

Feb 6, 2010

This was a very interesting project I made for a customer. The baseball player and background, I copied from a tee shirt. Which is one of their logos. Farwell, Nebraska is a very small town somewhere...

"Santa Claus" Cookies and Milk Cabinet

Dec 23, 2009
4 comments

I made this for my Daughter Justine, for her children for Christmas. This is a good way for Santa Claus to get his cookies and milk safely so that the dog and cat won't get to them firstnbspThe...

"Marquetry, Christmas Gifts"

Dec 4, 2009

I’m taking a break from the serious woodworking and decided to make Christmas presents this year. There is a total of 20 marquetry pictures and frames. The Lion size is 3/4” x 12rdquox...

Chess Set, Table, & Chairs

Oct 3, 2009
10 comments

First by making the chess set pieces. Then to add every piece into the actual table and chairs. 1. The top has parquetry around the outer border showing the castle move, were the Rooks protect the...

Cameo, Jewelry Box

Sep 29, 2009
1 comment

It’s based off the Cameo necklace, which first appeared around the time of Alexander the Great. This distinctive piece of jewelry has enjoyed popularity throughout classical times. the...

Boxes With & Without, Marquetry & Carving

Apr 11, 2009
2 comments

This is the same style of box. One with & without carving & marquetry. The Hardwood is out of Africa Mahogany & Ebony. The marquetry is out of Maple Burl, Ebony, Bloodwood, Walnut...

Miniature Table 1" Scale

Mar 6, 2009

I just finished making this little miniature," V"-shaped Video conferencing table for a show coming up this week. I had some scrap ribbon striped mahogany hardwood left in stock. Also I used solid...

My 1st Published Article

Mar 5, 2009

I received a call from Shannon Flowers, the editor of Wood Carving Illustrated, asking if I would be interested in doing an artical on relief carving on an old piece of furniture? I agreed and...

Gothic Cat Carving

Feb 28, 2009

When I first started carving ten years ago. I spent most of my time sharping my carving gouges. On this "Gothic cat" I diden't use any sand paper. I was really trying to make it look like old world...

Stylish Box

Feb 25, 2009
1 comment

  Two months ago my sister died at the young age of 44, while I was designing this box, so I named it after her, "Little Sister" It is made out of solid Ribbon Stripped Mahogany...

Griffin, End Table

Feb 14, 2009
7 comments

This piece of furniture took me around 1100 hours to make. Carving and marquetry added to a piece of furniture can really take you back in time. When designing this piece I really wanted to add...

Company Crest

Feb 13, 2009

This is a crest I hand carved for my brother and I. The Z. B. stands for “ZONGKER BROTHERS” It’s mounted on a wall in are office. This was my 15th carving, dated 10-16-2001, time...

Lion Carvings, Our Company's Mascot

Feb 11, 2009
1 comment

I hand carved both of these lion’s seven years ago. I mostly carved them for fun. They were my 11th & 12th carvings. They turn out better then expected, so my brother and I decided to make...

Purple Heart, Medal of Honour

Feb 8, 2009
2 comments

This replica scales seven-times the original size medal. It was carved from one solid piece of PurpleHeart hardwood. This exotic wood undergoes a degree of color change over time. It begins with a...

Acanthus Leaf Theme, Dinning Table & Chairs

Feb 6, 2009
2 comments

This old world dinning table and chairs, I made five years ago for a customer in 2004. The top's marquetry has eight french acanthus leafs around the top. And a center acanthus flower in bloom in the...

Chess Table, Chairs & Chess Pieces

Feb 3, 2009
9 comments

This is the first of three sets that I made. I made this set ten years ago. The other two I made seven years ago. All three sets are made out of American Black Walnut, & Hard...

Decorative Parquetry, Dinning Table

Feb 2, 2009
1 comment

This 54" diameter table top has Maple, Birch, & Ebony. I cut the parquetry with a scalpel, using the "Window Method" 

Stylish Box

Jan 29, 2009
8 comments

Made out of solid Ribbion stripped Mahogany, & Ebony for the hardwood. And Bloodwood, Myrtle Burl, Walnut, & Edbony for the marquetry. Size is 9" wide x 13" long x 5 1/2" tall.


Recent comments


Re: Duncan Phyfe: Master Cabinetmaker


Hi Ed,
This is a great video about Duncan Phyfe. I'm a big fan of furniture history, his style is very similar to the French Empire and Regency Britain around the early to min 19th century. Have you ever heard of Francois Linke?

Thank you for showing some history of a great master furniture maker. It would be very cool if you did a lot more of this kind of thing.

posted: 9:39 pm on February 8th  

Re: Virgin of the Rocks, Leonardo Da Vinci

Beautiful! That is a great looking picture of marquetry. Bravo!!!

posted: 5:32 pm on July 8th  

Re: Cartoon Marquetry

Hi kmack, Thank you for your support. I looked at your work, and you make some beautiful furniture. Keep up the great work!

posted: 5:27 pm on July 8th  

Re: How to Cut Decorative Parquetry or Marquetry Using the Window Method

Hi frostman, I have never repaired wallpaper so I can't compare. You only have one post so I'm guessing that your trying to get to me somehow. Your very funny. I just started laughing at your statement. Good luck to you and your wall papering. lol

posted: 5:20 pm on July 8th  

Re: How to Cut Decorative Parquetry or Marquetry Using the Window Method

Hi knoxmtn, Thank you for the complement. This method is an old and well respected way of cutting veneer before their were scroll saws. When I cut on the scroll saw I cut up to ten different pieces at a time. Their are many different styles and ways to cut veneer. It is up to you if you like this way are not. The next time you get ready to cut some veneer give this style a try and see what you think. Thank you.

posted: 5:14 pm on July 8th  

Re: Cartoon Marquetry

Hi Ihsat, Thank you for your opinion, The customer wanted two picture frames with cartoon marquetry. They were very happy with the outcome. I was wondering if I should have posted these here on Fine Woodworking, the best in woodworking which I have the highest of respect for. I will ask the editor if I should remove this project. The next time I do something fun like this, I will get permission first.

posted: 10:55 am on July 2nd  

Re: "Music Box"


Thank you fellow woodworkers, for you complements.

posted: 7:44 am on May 12th  

Re: Segmented Turned Feet are Easier than You Think

Hi North49th, I should have put down the cutting angle, The angle for cutting is 22.5 degrees. So with 8 legs x 16 sides = 360 degrees. The template and the legs are booth cut at a 22.5 degrees.

posted: 7:29 pm on March 28th  

Re: Segmented Turned Feet are Easier than You Think

Thank you fellow woodworkers for the complements,

yoav_liberman, I would ask Ed Pirnik or Gina Eide on how to save it. They are the web editors and producers.

stikk, I should be done with the music box in about a month or so and will show the pictures. Thank you.

posted: 6:52 pm on March 27th  

Re: Miter Spline Jig

This is one super nice jig! You should get many years of good woodworking use out of it.

posted: 1:13 pm on September 7th  

Re: Tip-Top Tables Contest: We Have a Winner!

I wanted to thank Fine woodworking for the opportunity in the Tip Top Table contest. It was fun & exciting all the way to the end. Congratulations to Chad on he's table.

posted: 5:01 pm on July 13th  

Re: Griffin Table

Hi Muehly,

I work on the Griffin Table off and on for two years.

posted: 8:41 am on June 29th  

Re: L-Shaped Supports for Carving on Turned Spindles

Hi John1910,

Thanks for the complements.

Here are some more pictures of the L Supports, showing closer detail of how they are used.

posted: 5:15 pm on May 24th  

Re: Segemented Turning

WOW!!! That is incredible. Great job!!!

posted: 12:23 pm on January 16th  

Re: Federal Sideboard

Very nice! Your craftsmanship looks great. I also like your design. Is this your design?

posted: 12:21 pm on January 16th  

Re: Classical Style Contest Winners: John Kizer and Michael Henderson

Congratulations John Kizer!!! You did a incredible job on this Boston Bombe.

posted: 10:01 am on October 12th  

Re: Not Your Father's Entertainment Center, but it looks like it at first.

Great looking Entertainment center!!! I really like the pull out dvd units. Sweet Design.

posted: 8:13 am on October 12th  

Re: Chess Set, Table, & Chairs

Thank you Woodswarrior, for the complement.

I have four hidden drawers, their on both sides of the table.
These hidden drawers are for storing all the chess pieces.

posted: 8:20 am on October 6th  

Re: Chess Set, Table, & Chairs

Thank you Tommor85

It took my a long time. The design of the table and chairs took the longest. I worked on the design for about six months.

posted: 4:33 pm on October 4th  

Re: Eagle Wings and Tail feathers. http://tecdex.tripod.com

Very Beautiful. Great job!!!!

posted: 4:36 pm on August 8th  

Re: Full Dress Aaron Burr Desk

Beautiful!!! Great job.

posted: 1:46 pm on May 18th  

Re: Bubinga & Maple Credenza

Very Nice, Great job on the design & craftsmanship.

posted: 8:59 am on May 4th  

Re: Coffee Table

Very nice! I really like your design.

posted: 5:56 pm on April 20th  

Re: "Lion" locomotive model

WOW!!! That is incredible. Thanks for sharing.

posted: 8:21 am on April 20th  

Re: A box of drawers

Great Job Gary!!! This box is incredible,

posted: 12:41 pm on March 22nd  

Re: My Nightmares and Dreams

That is one cool box!!!

posted: 12:38 pm on March 22nd  

Re: Griffin, End Table

Thank you John & jbfmlm1 for your kind complements. It's a great feeling to have other craftsman complement other craftsman.

posted: 1:44 pm on February 20th  

Re: Purple Heart, Medal of Honour

Hi Kmack, Thank you for you kind words. I only carve by hand. I have 60 carving knifes,I use "Pfeil" a swiss made carving gouges. And I sharpen my knifes on a "Tormek water cooled sharping system.

posted: 9:52 am on February 9th  

Re: Chess Set

You did a great job on this set and board. You must be a chess player to?

posted: 8:10 pm on February 7th  

Re: Chess Table, Chairs & Chess Pieces

Thank you for the complements Haldeman. It helps that I love to play chess. Are you a chess player yourself?

posted: 8:07 pm on February 7th  

Re: Sideboard

Beautiful Design. Looks like you put good use to your veneer flitch.

posted: 8:44 pm on February 3rd  

Re: Tansu Style Chest

Very classy design. Very nice craftsmanship. Do you have any any close up pictures?

posted: 8:38 pm on February 3rd  

Re: Ladies Federal Writing Desk

Excellent Craftsmanship!!! Do you have any close up pictures? It would be nice to see more details. Congratulations on your award!

posted: 8:35 pm on February 3rd  

Re: Stylish Box

Hi Krassel, I first, had to model this box in clay before I could start cutting wood. Thank you for the complements.

posted: 7:09 pm on February 3rd  

Re: Shadows of Night

Very nice. Is the front done in marquetry? What style of marquetry?

posted: 4:25 pm on February 2nd  

Re: Ole Boulle

Hi Gregg, Incredible as usual. You make some very beautiful pieces of art. Is that a picture of you in marquetry on your profile picture?

posted: 4:17 pm on February 2nd  

Re: arched top hope chest

Hi kmack, I really love this design. Excellent craftsmanship. You did a great job on this. Thanks for sharing your hope chest.

posted: 4:11 pm on February 2nd  

Re: Stylish Box

Hi Little1, I designed it for my Sister. She died around three months ago. She was 44 years old. I named the box "Little sister". Thank you for your kind complements.

posted: 10:20 am on February 2nd  

Re: Stylish Box

Hi Gofigure57, Thank you for the complement.

posted: 10:17 am on February 2nd