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Ray Franks
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Contributions

Maloof rocker

Jan 14, 2012
3 comments

My first stab at a Maloof rocker.   It came out well.   Overall I'm very happy with the comfort and flow, but I'll have a few tweeks on the next one.

Maple slab desk.

Apr 7, 2010
2 comments

Found this piece of spalted maple in Woodstock and hauled it back to the city.   It sat in our hallway for a few months, until found a use for it.   I went to look at a potential clients...

Arts and Crafts style cherry bed.

Apr 7, 2010
1 comment

I made this frame and panel bed for my wife.   It is a king.

HarlemBuilt, NYC Ray Franks's shop

Apr 7, 2010
3 comments

This is my shop.   It is about 425 square feet in the basement of my Harlem brownstone.  Huge compared to the original shop that was about 170 square feet.  I have fairly good access...

Mahogany Writing Desk

Oct 14, 2008

This desk is made from a door that had been painted black and thrown away.   I stripped the paint, and came up with a design that would use the parts.   I also used it as a practice piece...


Recent comments


Re: Compact but comfortable wood shop

My wife feels the same way, except my shop is in the basement. She hates it when I build big stuff and she has to help be get it out the the minivan for delivery.

Ray

posted: 10:44 pm on April 7th  

Re: Setting up shop: Which machine first? And why.

The first large power tool I got for the small shop I had was the radial arm saw. I know most people shy away from the radial arm saw these days, but it was a great choice. Rip, cross-cut, dado, shape, etc. It takes some careful thought because of a little extra set-up time, and a special attention to safety. I put a 10" bed on which doubled as my workbench, and made ripping much easier than using a small table saw. I highly recommend the radial arm saw to anyone with a limited budget, and limited space. You can find a wide selection of used saws for very little money (sometimes as low as $50).

posted: 10:51 am on August 20th