I started this cherry box while demonstrating mannerist carving and simple box making at the SAPFM Annual Conference last month in New Bern, NC. Not until returning to my shop in Lilburn, GA was it completed. Here it sits basking in the sun after its first slathering of boiled linseed oil and turpentine.
Demonstrating mannerist carving and box making at the North Carolina History Center.
I wanted to try my hand at something a bit different.
It’s a start...
The scary part!
Ya gotta love square off the saw!
Knowing how to use a tool is more important than the tool in and of itself. - Ron Aylor
Beautiful work. Having just built a cabinet with authentic 18C joinery, I have come to greatly admire the skills and ingenuity of the amazing craftsmen of the day.
The early bird gets the worm but its the second mouse that gets the cheese.
Great work of art Ron, very characteristic of early Americana. Are the ornamental carvings replications of something you've seen?, being a member of SAPFM probably provides you a wealth of reference materials. I've wondered about such carvings for decoration. In the 18th century necessities didn't really need such adornments and I'm guessing this was an evening pastime by the fireplace. In any event, nice work, looks great.
Oldtool commented about 2 hours ago new Great work of art Ron, very characteristic of early Americana. Are the ornamental carvings replications of something you've seen?, being a member of SAPFM probably provides you a wealth of reference materials. I've wondered about such carvings for decoration. In the 18th century necessities didn't really need such adornments and I'm guessing this was an evening pastime by the fireplace. In any event, nice work, looks great.
This form of carving is more 17th-century than anything else, and yes, the cockerel motif was lifted from an extant 17th-century joined chest.
Note left and right of the date in the top rail.
Knowing how to use a tool is more important than the tool in and of itself. - Ron Aylor
Great to see your enthusiasm and passion for a bygone style!!! 'Simple' box construction and carving yes, but it's as effective now as it was in it's day. Love it!!
