This is my first post in awhile but wanted to share the project I just finished. This is a cherry and walnut valet that I made for my brother who graduates from the University of Alabama tomorrow (ROLL TIDE!!). I started out with plans from a recent woodsmith issue but made some alterations to their plan. I learned a lot during this project and used a lot of skills and techniques that I had not used up until this project. It did not turn out perfect by any means but I think he will really like and I certainly grew as a young woodworker during this project!! I apologize if the pics are not great but I am by no means a photographer and they are all from my phone. 

 

This is 3/8 inch cherry that I re-sawed at the table saw and finished up with with a hand saw which was a first. Bandsaw would have been nice to have for that. The trays and lift are walnut. I used 3 coats of shellac for the finish followed up with some paste wax. This was my first time using either of these finishes so that was a learning experience as well. The mineral streak on the lid might not be for everyone but my brother will love it. 

 

Also here are a couple of cutting boards I made recently that really liked and almost decided to keep for myself. I really love the grain on the cheery in the cherry and walnut board!

 

 

 

 

Edited May 6, 201610 yr by Rlbailey3

You have every right to be proud of the projects! They are awesome!!

The cherry and walnut look awesome together. 

Thanks for posting this.

Amazing work. I'm sure your bro. will love the slant top and who ever receives the board will be very happy. I like them both equally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful job!  He'll be thrilled with it.  I can tell by your post that you are a true woodworker.  A true woodwork is quick to point out the "flaws" of his work to other woodworkers when there aren't any flaws at all.  Beautiful!!!! Be proud of it because your brother will be thrilled with it!

Great work my friend! You must have a very special brother. I really love the slant top. Hey! Those aren't mistakes! Those are carefully placed marks of character!

Looking at your valet: The work is clean and tight, with nice interpretation of material using the mineral streak as a highlight. 

 

Whatever ever flaw you think there is, I don't think you need to worry about. The piece is visually fetching.

 

We have an intimate relationship with each piece we make, we know every little thing that is "wrong" with it or that did not turn out as we originally intended. Others that see our work view it differently, their initial impact and experience with the project does not include any of the knowledge we have as the maker. They don't know if the project deviated from the plan or of any of the struggles we had when building it. 

 

What they see, is just a great piece. Keep up the great work!

 

Nice cutting boards too. It looks like you must have made the dovetailed box in the background too? 

 

nice piece.  Love the originality.

 

Edited May 9, 201610 yr by Cliff
because I can

Thank you all for the kind remarks and words of wisdom. It is greatly appreciated!!

 

Todd - That is my dovetailed box in the background as well. That was actually my first and only attempt at hand cut dovetails to this point. Hope to try them again soon when I get the time. 

Trey, nice job on all of those. Looks like you got the finish issue worked out after we talked. Nice cutting boards, I'll have to watch you, you'll be taking over my cutting board business.