I really like the David Getts’s kitchen (“A Cabinetmaker’s Kitchen Remodel,” FWW April 2010), especially the contrasting pegs on the cabinets:
I sent the article to our kitchen planner and asked: “These are the cabinets of my dreams. How close can we get?”
We saw the sample today. They had to substitute walnut for the ebony pegs, but we’re fine with that. The problem is some gouge marks around the pegs:
The kitchen planner thinks the marks are unavoidable because such details require manual customization, and anyway the marks aren’t noticeable (the pegs are only 3/8″ square). However, I don’t think the holes were made freehand (the holes and gouges are all alike) and I’m sure that neat, clean holes are possible. After all, Mr Getts managed it, and so did Kelly Dunton in the January FWW:
So, instead of complaining about fit and finish, I’d like to be able to advise the cabinet company how to correct the problem. Do such marks result from a hollow mortising chisel/bit that was used incorrectly? Could they have used a tool has dulled or deformed over time?–because if that’s the cause, I’ll gladly send them a new $14.50 chisel/bit.
Or, do you honestly think that it’s good enough, not noticeable, and not worth bothering with?
Janet
Replies
uuuuh
The photo thing you tried didn't work on my end. I just see little tiny blue squares with what could be a question mark in them. So small even when enlarged I can't tell if question mark.
Try using the "add file" button when you edit your post.
PS: yep seems lame they don't have a decnet tool for the square holes and seems doubly lame they can't get some ebony plugs. I think they could even order them ready made. Sam Maloof used to get them that way. I order ebony and work with it. No big problem.
I get blue squares, but it
I get blue squares, but the pictures do show up after a long wait. Will try the other way of loading pictures.
Janet
Sample dose'nt cut it
I think its time to get another kitchen planner and cabinet shop. I think you could find someone here who could do the job to your satisfaction. I don't know where you are from, but if you were near me, I would be willing to bid the job; and like Roc said, it would be easy to get you ebony. Good luck.
So it's not my imagination
This has been the only issue so far, which is fortunate because we’re already signed on with this planner and really like her design.
I'd like your opinion as a professional cabinetmaker:
Does every cabinet shop have a mortiser?
Will the folks at the cabinet shop be mortally offended if I send them a new hollow-mortiser chisel & bit and ask them to use that?
I’d rather they start with a tool that is already sharp and accurate, instead of fixing/sharpening whatever tool created the problems in the sample. (Also, I'm not sure what labor gets charged to me as set-up costs for custom details. But it surely takes less time to swap in a new chisel & bit than to sharpen an old one.)
Janet
The marks aren't due to a dull tool, and you're going down the wrong road. You don't want to be begging the cabinet shop to do better work and offering to buy tools, because that suggests that lower quality may be acceptable with enough foot dragging and negotiation. If the designer can't provide the result you want he or she should be happy to step aside for another that can. Likewise on wood choice IMHO. Sounds like "who works for whom" is being turned around.
At the same time, pegging and ebony are definitely up charges, and one should expect a revised bid.
tool marks - just say no
I agree with Roc and Bob - the tool marks are unacceptable in my view. Similarly, small pieces of Ebony suitable for this type of work are available - if the cabinetmaker is willing to look. ( I bought a few pieces from Woodworker's Source in AZ a few months ago.)
Night and Day
OK I can see the photos now.
Gosh the three ebony pegs that are so nicely beveled and rounded are gorgeous aren't they ? !
If I had to look at the cabinets for ten or twenty years I know that is what I would want. Over those flat things with the oopsies. Divide the extra cost of having them done right by the days expected to enjoy them. Then what will that kind of work be worth when you sell the house ? Optimistically it could turn out that they pay you to look at them. I have no idea about that. Many here will have seriously good advice about that aspect.
Alternatively you could learn how to do these by practicing and when you are good at it then put them on the cabinets yourself.
One of my favorite quotes applies I think . . .
" It is the economies I regret, not the extravagances. "
Ebony Plugs
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=65380&cat=1,41504,41541&ap=1
The specialty chisels that LV sells works well. I use a set and make the pillowed plugs from ebony. They work well with a little practice. I don't think that walnut is dense enough for Greene and Greene plugs. Good luck!
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