mr

marc rosen

08/03/2008 4:48 AM

project suggestions wanted for large slab of Mahogany

Hey All,
I picked up a lot of lumber from the widow of a cabinet maker and one
of the pieces I got was a slab of Mahogany 2 x 16 x 56. My completed
projects are mostly cabinets, small tables, one hutch, and one bed and
I'm at a loss as to how to best utilize this slab. I welcome any
suggestions (although I won't comply with the ones to "give it away"
or that are physically impossible).
I thught of making a small table, but it seems too thick - hence
heavy- for a table, so maybe a bench.
And I should add there is no gloating here. I offered her a very
reasonable amount for all of the lumber in the shop. Never tried to
get it real cheap.
Marc


This topic has 15 replies

LH

"Lew Hodgett"

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

08/03/2008 10:38 AM


"marc rosen" <[email protected]> wrote:

> I picked up a lot of lumber from the widow of a cabinet maker and one
> of the pieces I got was a slab of Mahogany 2 x 16 x 56. My completed
> projects are mostly cabinets, small tables, one hutch, and one bed and
> I'm at a loss as to how to best utilize this slab.

Finding a piece of wood like that is ranks right up there with the fisherman
who caught the biggest Bass in the lake.

They both deserve a lot of respect.

Think I'd continue to cure that piece of wood for a couple of years while I
gave a lot of thought as to what might be made using it.

Have fun.

Lew

Jj

Jeff

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

08/03/2008 10:40 AM

On Mar 8, 7:48 am, marc rosen <[email protected]> wrote:
> Hey All,
> I picked up a lot of lumber from the widow of a cabinet maker and one
> of the pieces I got was a slab of Mahogany 2 x 16 x 56. My completed
> projects are mostly cabinets, small tables, one hutch, and one bed and
> I'm at a loss as to how to best utilize this slab. I welcome any
> suggestions (although I won't comply with the ones to "give it away"
> or that are physically impossible).
> I thught of making a small table, but it seems too thick - hence
> heavy- for a table, so maybe a bench.
> And I should add there is no gloating here. I offered her a very
> reasonable amount for all of the lumber in the shop. Never tried to
> get it real cheap.
> Marc

Why force the issue? If you don't know what to do with it, then don't
do anything. Sooner or later, an opportunity will present itself.
Until that happens, chances are you'll rue a snap decision.

Jeff

Sb

"SonomaProducts.com"

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

08/03/2008 2:29 PM

The dimensions just scream bench. I think Mahogany tends towards an
asian feel. I sketched up an idea at http://www.sonomaproducts.com/bench.htm=


Reverse beveled legs (wider at the floor) for a heavy look, built up
from the other 8/4 material you have on hand. Lots of through tennons.
Trestle design with a double cross spreader. Under cut bevel on the
bottom of the slab. The under cut actually lessens the visual impact
of the thickness which is sort of counter productive but it gives it
sort of a pagoda look. The other possibility is to band saw a slight
bow in the seating surface dropping the center of the long dim to
maybe 5/4 thickness. Look at second version linked from top of first
page.

I've been doing lots of designs similar to this lately as moderen
derivitives of the Stickley bow armed chair type designs with the
reverse beveled legs. I am trying to work up a curve in the legs vs
the straight bevel and also canting the legs out slightly to make a
real splayed look but this version reflects the straight bevel and no
splay.

BW


On Mar 8, 4:48=A0am, marc rosen <[email protected]> wrote:
> Hey All,
> I picked up a lot of lumber from the widow of a cabinet maker and one
> of the pieces I got was a slab of Mahogany 2 x 16 x 56. My completed
> projects are mostly cabinets, small tables, one hutch, and one bed and
> I'm at a loss as to how to best utilize this slab. =A0I welcome any
> suggestions (although I won't comply with the ones to "give it away"
> or that are physically impossible).
> I thught of making a small table, but it seems too thick - hence
> heavy- for a table, so maybe a bench.
> And I should add there is no gloating here. =A0I offered her a very
> reasonable amount for all of the lumber in the shop. =A0Never tried to
> get it real cheap.
> =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0Marc

rr

randyswoodshoop

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

08/03/2008 7:12 AM

On Mar 8, 8:27=A0am, "Leon" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "marc rosen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> news:[email protected]...
>
> > Hey All,
> > I picked up a lot of lumber from the widow of a cabinet maker and one
> > of the pieces I got was a slab of Mahogany 2 x 16 x 56. My completed
> > projects are mostly cabinets, small tables, one hutch, and one bed and
> > I'm at a loss as to how to best utilize this slab. =A0I welcome any
> > suggestions (although I won't comply with the ones to "give it away"
> > or that are physically impossible).
> > I thught of making a small table, but it seems too thick - hence
> > heavy- for a table, so maybe a bench.
> > And I should add there is no gloating here. =A0I offered her a very
> > reasonable amount for all of the lumber in the shop. =A0Never tried to
> > get it real cheap.
> > =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 Marc
>
> fire place mantel

I would build a hall bench. Does it have natual edge?
David Marks on DYI uses alot of slab lumber in his projects, so that
may place to check out for projects.

Randy http://nokeswoodworks.com

mr

marc rosen

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

09/03/2008 5:08 AM

Hey BW,
Thanks, that was very nice of you to provide the sketches - it gives
me a lot to think about. My wife likes the idea and the appearance of
the tapered legs too. I appreciate your taking the time.

Marc

RC

Robatoy

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

09/03/2008 9:50 AM

On Mar 8, 6:29=A0pm, "SonomaProducts.com" <[email protected]> wrote:
> The dimensions just scream bench. I think Mahogany tends towards an
> asian feel. I sketched up an idea athttp://www.sonomaproducts.com/bench.ht=
m
>
I like that. A lot.

r

bb

beecrofter

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

09/03/2008 10:59 AM

On Mar 8, 8:48=A0am, marc rosen <[email protected]> wrote:
> Hey All,
> I picked up a lot of lumber from the widow of a cabinet maker and one
> of the pieces I got was a slab of Mahogany 2 x 16 x 56. My completed
> projects are mostly cabinets, small tables, one hutch, and one bed and
> I'm at a loss as to how to best utilize this slab. =A0I welcome any
> suggestions (although I won't comply with the ones to "give it away"
> or that are physically impossible).
> I thught of making a small table, but it seems too thick - hence
> heavy- for a table, so maybe a bench.
> And I should add there is no gloating here. =A0I offered her a very
> reasonable amount for all of the lumber in the shop. =A0Never tried to
> get it real cheap.
> =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0Marc

Musical instrument, guitar perhaps

mr

marc rosen

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

08/03/2008 5:08 AM

Addendum...
I can not decide if I should try to retain as much of the slab uncut
or rip it for legs, etc. I also have several bdft of 4/4 and 8/4
Mahogany in smaller dimensions so this is not the only Mahogany
available. And I have no means to resaw such a wide piece.
That's all.
Marc

JJ

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 5:08 AM

08/03/2008 7:42 PM

Sat, Mar 8, 2008, 5:08am (EST-3) From: [email protected] (marc=A0rosen)
<snip> I also have several bdft of 4/4 and 8/4 Mahogany in smaller
dimensions so this is not the only Mahogany available. <snip>

Maybe no gloat, but most definitely a large warm fuzzy.
Personally, I would NOT ask anyone for suggestions. I'd set it
somewhere in my shop, or even in the house, where I could just sit,
relax, and look at it until I finally decided what to do with it - I've
got a bit of aromatic cedar set by, and that's exactly what I'm doing
with it. Bult, myself, I think I would consider a nice thick
chessboard, chess pieces (possibly Dutch turning), along with a set of
checkers. Or, possibly some type of chair, probably not a bench or
table. But, it's your wood, your decision. If you want to get in good
with the Woodworking Gods, you could always sent it slong as a sacrifice
for them.



JOAT
10 Out Of 10 Terrorists Prefer Hillary For President - Bumper Sticker

I do not have a problem with a woman president - except for Hillary.

mr

marc rosen

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

08/03/2008 10:47 AM

Hey Guys,
Thanks for the thoughts. It is a near perfect piece of Mahogany- no
checks, etc. and almost planer smooth on both faces (but no natural
edge). I think I'll take my time looking for just the right project,
but a bench sounds like the best use for it. No fireplace, just a wood
stove. Tom, thanks too for your offer of resawing but I'm too far
away anyway (Maryland).
Read you all later,
Marc

RC

Robatoy

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

08/03/2008 8:31 AM

On Mar 8, 11:29=A0am, "Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "marc rosen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> news:[email protected]...
>
> > Hey All,
> > I picked up a lot of lumber from the widow of a cabinet maker and one
> > of the pieces I got was a slab of Mahogany 2 x 16 x 56. My completed
> > projects are mostly cabinets, small tables, one hutch, and one bed and
> > I'm at a loss as to how to best utilize this slab. =A0I welcome any
> > suggestions (although I won't comply with the ones to "give it away"
> > or that are physically impossible).
> > I thught of making a small table, but it seems too thick - hence
> > heavy- for a table, so maybe a bench.
> > And I should add there is no gloating here. =A0I offered her a very
> > reasonable amount for all of the lumber in the shop. =A0Never tried to
> > get it real cheap.
> > =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 =A0 Marc
>
> Impressive hunk of wood? =A0I'd try to utilize it "as is" or no more than =
one
> cut. =A0The bench idea sounds good or a 28 x 32 table, or even better, a s=
ide
> table with full sized slab. =A0IMO, a piece of wood like that deserves som=
e
> extra time and thought to showcase it rather than just re-saw and make a
> mundane utilitarian item.
>
> OTOH, if it is full of imperfections, just cut it and use it as you see fi=
t.

I agree. It would be a shame to cut that up.

cc

"charlie"

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

10/03/2008 10:16 AM


"marc rosen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hey Guys,
> Thanks for the thoughts. It is a near perfect piece of Mahogany- no
> checks, etc. and almost planer smooth on both faces (but no natural
> edge). I think I'll take my time looking for just the right project,
> but a bench sounds like the best use for it. No fireplace, just a wood
> stove. Tom, thanks too for your offer of resawing but I'm too far
> away anyway (Maryland).
> Read you all later,
> Marc

seats for something like this

http://www.hiwhy.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/costco-chairs.jpg

different legs tho. these are fugly.

EP

"Edwin Pawlowski"

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

08/03/2008 11:29 AM


"marc rosen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hey All,
> I picked up a lot of lumber from the widow of a cabinet maker and one
> of the pieces I got was a slab of Mahogany 2 x 16 x 56. My completed
> projects are mostly cabinets, small tables, one hutch, and one bed and
> I'm at a loss as to how to best utilize this slab. I welcome any
> suggestions (although I won't comply with the ones to "give it away"
> or that are physically impossible).
> I thught of making a small table, but it seems too thick - hence
> heavy- for a table, so maybe a bench.
> And I should add there is no gloating here. I offered her a very
> reasonable amount for all of the lumber in the shop. Never tried to
> get it real cheap.
> Marc


Impressive hunk of wood? I'd try to utilize it "as is" or no more than one
cut. The bench idea sounds good or a 28 x 32 table, or even better, a side
table with full sized slab. IMO, a piece of wood like that deserves some
extra time and thought to showcase it rather than just re-saw and make a
mundane utilitarian item.

OTOH, if it is full of imperfections, just cut it and use it as you see fit.

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

08/03/2008 8:27 AM


"marc rosen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hey All,
> I picked up a lot of lumber from the widow of a cabinet maker and one
> of the pieces I got was a slab of Mahogany 2 x 16 x 56. My completed
> projects are mostly cabinets, small tables, one hutch, and one bed and
> I'm at a loss as to how to best utilize this slab. I welcome any
> suggestions (although I won't comply with the ones to "give it away"
> or that are physically impossible).
> I thught of making a small table, but it seems too thick - hence
> heavy- for a table, so maybe a bench.
> And I should add there is no gloating here. I offered her a very
> reasonable amount for all of the lumber in the shop. Never tried to
> get it real cheap.
> Marc

fire place mantel

TB

"Tom Bunetta"

in reply to marc rosen on 08/03/2008 4:48 AM

08/03/2008 7:37 AM

Hi Marc,
Maybe you're close enough to one of us that can resaw it (if that is what
you want...) I have a 20" MiniMax in W Tn.
Tom
"marc rosen" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hey All,
> I picked up a lot of lumber from the widow of a cabinet maker and one
> of the pieces I got was a slab of Mahogany 2 x 16 x 56. My completed
> projects are mostly cabinets, small tables, one hutch, and one bed and
> I'm at a loss as to how to best utilize this slab. I welcome any
> suggestions (although I won't comply with the ones to "give it away"
> or that are physically impossible).
> I thught of making a small table, but it seems too thick - hence
> heavy- for a table, so maybe a bench.
> And I should add there is no gloating here. I offered her a very
> reasonable amount for all of the lumber in the shop. Never tried to
> get it real cheap.
> Marc


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