The Completion of The Love Seat Project
The bench project was finished on June 26th, 2012, a notable day, with the careful application of the first coat of Osmo, a particularly expensive coating, made in Germany and consisting, I think, of a fine wax, maybe carnuba or beeswax, suspended in a penetrant. I chose the natural color with a semi-gloss finish. The net result appears excellent and protects the wood against moisture and UV. I did apply a second coat a few days later, not knowing if it was required, but certain it could do no harm.
It became apparent that the whole bench concept needed two additional features: first was the need for cushions as the seats are somewhat oversized for non-huge people and, secondly, it would be nice to have some foot stools matching the bench. Fortunately there was just enough oak of the right sections to construct two 'stools' each the same style and size of half the bench minus the table section. Now that fence mending is behind us and various other diversionary assignments, tomorrow, July 30 may see the commencement of manufacture...
As for the cushions, a search led us to Jysk in Liberec, where we could buy a couple of chaise cushions of the right width, 60 cms. and thickness and color. Only the length was wrong. But, due to the talents of Mrs. Blogger, she was able to reconstruct the cushions into just the right size and shape and still have enough to make additional cushions for last years picnic table and benches.
All together a masterful joint venture!
It became apparent that the whole bench concept needed two additional features: first was the need for cushions as the seats are somewhat oversized for non-huge people and, secondly, it would be nice to have some foot stools matching the bench. Fortunately there was just enough oak of the right sections to construct two 'stools' each the same style and size of half the bench minus the table section. Now that fence mending is behind us and various other diversionary assignments, tomorrow, July 30 may see the commencement of manufacture...
As for the cushions, a search led us to Jysk in Liberec, where we could buy a couple of chaise cushions of the right width, 60 cms. and thickness and color. Only the length was wrong. But, due to the talents of Mrs. Blogger, she was able to reconstruct the cushions into just the right size and shape and still have enough to make additional cushions for last years picnic table and benches.
All together a masterful joint venture!
The Progress In Making The Bench
Finished all the joinery for the main frame and spent quite a bit of yesterday fitting and adjusting. This morning decided that further procrastination was no longer possible and, having borrowed Pepa Kozak's entire collection of clamps, I started the gluing process. Having taken so much care with fitting the joints, gluing was more straightforward than I had anticipated and there were no problems.
Next step was to do the joinery on the seat assemblies. Thanking Bosch and Metabo and Elektra for making such fine machines, this was easy. The 24 components machined perfectly and fitted equally well into the main frame. Gluing may take place on Monday after housekeeping chores are completed. This stage will be followed by the joinery for the centre table assembly and then the end of assembly is in sight with the few pieces of the back to be fastened into position.
Next step was to do the joinery on the seat assemblies. Thanking Bosch and Metabo and Elektra for making such fine machines, this was easy. The 24 components machined perfectly and fitted equally well into the main frame. Gluing may take place on Monday after housekeeping chores are completed. This stage will be followed by the joinery for the centre table assembly and then the end of assembly is in sight with the few pieces of the back to be fastened into position.
