TIMOTHY ROUSSEAU
Appleton, Maine
I got my start as a furniture maker at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship. I completed the school?s 12-week program in 1998, and stayed on as workshop assistant, and then artist in residence. Next I polished my furniture skills in Hoboken, N.J., where I got to work in a highly-regarded cooperative and learned from some of the best professionals around. I returned to Maine in 2002 and worked as the school?s resident instructor. Now I?m making furniture full time and lead two of the school?s 12-week programs each year, teaching case construction among other things.
This video workshop is an excellent vehicle for mastering case construction. The series will show you the fundamentals of building a square and stable case to withstand seasonal changes and the test of time. The project includes a variety of unique joinery techniques. The external frame is secured with basic mortise-and-tenon joints but construction gets interesting when you start on the internal web frame.
The front of the case is joined by connectors called blades. Two blades get double tenons that mortise into the leg and the top blade is joined to the case with a dovetail. Tune in to get a great technique for cutting the tenons and dovetails on the bandsaw.
Next, see how to make a frame-and-panel door and fit it to the opening in your case. Then learn an efficient way to install knife hinges using double-sided tape, a laminate trimmer, and a chisel. Finally, see the highlights of making a smooth-fitting drawer using half-blind and through-dovetails. The series ends with finishing tips and information on how to install a ball catch.
Become a member and get the full detailed project plan with dimensions.
Once you learn the basics of case construction, adapt the design to make it your own. See variations in our new user gallery, like this cabinet by Merritt Malin. You can also help us grow the collection. If you make the cabinet yourself, upload a picture to add to our gallery and tag it with "Rousseau Small Cabinet Project".
Don't miss our other video workshops that guide you through each step of making a bookcase, a wall cabinet, a dining chair, a small round table, and more.
