Replies

1. 
   SparrowHawk | Sep 10, 2003 12:26pm | #1

   Hi Jagwah,

   Pictures are the best way to visualize contrasting woods so here's a pic of a box I made recently. The sides are chechen, holly splines, figured walnut top, mahogany corners and butternut frame. The butternut shimmers in contrast to the darker chechen which really sets it off.

   Hope that helps a bit,
   Ken

   
1. 
   jagwah | Sep 10, 2003 04:52pm | #2

   Thanks

   Great looking box!

   I've been wondering about walnut. Just might be the way to go.

1. 
   SparrowHawk | Sep 11, 2003 12:41am | #5

   Hi Jagwah,

   Thanks. I don't know how large your project will be, but if you like the darker/heavier colors I agree that walnut is a good choice. Mahogany could also work if you don't mind a reddish hue which might be too much in quantity. Personally I like to use something contrasting between similar colors to set them both off which tends to highlight the similarities as well as the differences. Keep in mind that I have virtually no experience in woodworking so these are simply my opinions and are just offered up as such. I'll be curious to see what you finally decide upon ... be sure to post a photo.

   Be safe,Ken

1. 
   jagwah | Sep 11, 2003 02:00am | #6

   Thanks

   This armoire is approx.37" x 81" x 11"deep. It lays against the wall between two built in bookcases. It is supposed to appear as a shallow antique find of a cabinet. The fact is the interior is 26" deep. The wall houses the bookcases and entertainment aspect. The room is only 11' wide by 17'-6". Figured I didn't have the room to set a big honker in the room so I bumped into the garage for the added space.

   I'll post some pictures in progress soon.

2. 
   Kevin | Sep 10, 2003 05:39pm | #3

   Wow! That's a very striking looking box. I love the color contrasts!

   Regards,

   Kevin

1. 
   SparrowHawk | Sep 11, 2003 12:32am | #4

   Thanks Kevin,

   That was my second woodworking project and first exposure to chechen which I really enjoyed.  I have a lot of fun trying different woods together to see what I like and what isn't so pleasing. That particular combination did go together very well. Is it me though? I don't think I'll ever make much of a living at this ... I get too attached to the wood and it's just too hard to part with finished projects. I've turned down a very handsome figure for that box already. But perhaps the way around that is what I'm doing now ... taking contracts for each box before I even start to pick out the wood. Even though I put the same emotion into them I don't seem to get quite so attached to the piece. I can't be the only one with this dilemma ...

   Be safe,Ken

1. 
   Kevin | Sep 11, 2003 07:19am | #7

   No, I don't think you're the only one with that dilemma. I work with a guy who is the same way. He's always working on some home project after work. Lots of exotic woods... likes contrasts... says his garage is literally full of stuff he's made. When he sets out to build something as a gift, he doesn't seem to have a problem letting it go. But, stuff he builds just for the pleasure of building it... he has a hard time parting with.

   Regards,

   Kevin