Comments

1. 
   Mikecorwin | Oct 20, 2011 05:09am | #1

   Beautiful bench John, really dig the roundover and taper on the dovetails. Great work!

2. 
   jtetreault | Oct 20, 2011 07:21pm | #2

   Thanks Mike,
   I'm letting the bench stay outside and weather a while in front of the rock wall in the photo. I thought the rounded edges would make it fit into it's "organic" setting a little more comfortably.
   John

3. 
   OuGrysie | Oct 22, 2011 09:01am | #3

   Nice bench! I was wondering, though, with no cross-braces between the two side pieces, will the bench not become wobbly after some use? Or am I under-estimating the strength of the dovetail joinery? Would you like to comment, John?

4. 
   Racecar99 | Oct 22, 2011 03:12pm | #4

   You indicate the bench will be outdoors. What will you use for a protective finish??

5. 
   slowman | Oct 22, 2011 07:06pm | #5

   Thank you for sharing, the bench is a beauty! I have some 3 inch thick slab of eucaliptus or cypress (I think). would the extra thickness allow me to use finger joints for a bench of the same basic construction, or the dovetails are still a must?

6. 
   jtetreault | Oct 22, 2011 07:22pm | #6

   Hi OuGrysie,
   I was wondering about a stretcher also, but after the dry assembly, I decided against it. I liked the clean look without the stretcher and I felt that the 2in. thick dovetails added an awful lot of long grain glue surface. It wouldn't hurt to have the added strength of the stretcher for sure, but I think it will last for years without it. Thanks,
   John

7. 
   jtetreault | Oct 22, 2011 07:27pm | #7

   Racecar99,
   I'm leaving it outdoors until it turns gray, and then I'm thinking of bringing it inside to use on our front porch. I want it to have a weathered look and feel worn-in. I might carve out the seat a bit to add more comfort, but either way, I think it will be a nice place to sit in the morning with a cup of coffee. Thanks,
   John

8. 
   jtetreault | Oct 22, 2011 07:31pm | #8

   Thanks slowman,
   I think the 3" thickness (my bench was only 2in.) with finger joints would be plenty strong. You could always add a stretcher like OuGrysie suggested if you're worried about the strength of the finger joints. The cyprus would be a great choice for an outdoor bench too, just make sure to use waterproof glue, and it should be around for a long time.
   John

9. 
   BioBill | Oct 23, 2011 01:51pm | #9

   For pieces that are going to be outside, you might consider zinc naphthenate to extend their life. I made a smaller scale bench for holding plant pots on a small covered deck in Seattle decades ago which have weathered but are still holding up mechanically.

10. 
    NeilsenHandMade | Nov 19, 2011 02:45pm | #10

    hi John. i've been admiring your work for the last year or so. i really like your approach to materials and design. my ideal is to never even pay for materials (though i'm not completely opposed to it). i use reclaimed old growth 2x4's, old pine shelves, doors, windows, plywood and/or flooring i find in the trash bin. and i've recently started exploring the woods around my in-laws home in big bear, CA. i found a cool piece of oak burl attached to a fallen tree, borrowed a chain saw and went to work. (btw, i was super stoked to see your cherry burl bowl you turned.) is it possible to contact you directly through email? i have a bunch of questions about working with reclaimed materials. if so, my email is [email protected].

    if not, i'll try and post the questions here.

    thanks.

    josh.

11. 
    revriles | Feb 24, 2012 12:28pm | #11

    John, I love the look of your bench. Can you tell me its finished dimensions? Thanks