Replies

1. 
   ErnieConover | Apr 24, 2006 08:26pm | #1

   Historically, the insides of drawers (and cabinets themselves)were never finished. I continue this tradition because I have never found a finish that you could not smell strongly when opening the drawer--even years later. I think this is the reason they were never finished. I hand plane all surfaces and this leaves a very nice look and feel. You smell wood which is nice. This finishing every surface trend is very modern and not well thought out. In short, go naked, you will enjoy it.

   With best regards,
   Ernie Conover

1. 
   jhrob1 | Apr 24, 2006 10:14pm | #2

   I will.  Many thanks.  Jerry

2. 
   peter28 | May 19, 2006 03:55am | #3

   Ernie,

   I read this with interest. Historically drawers were not finished, It was my belief it was due to economy of materials. Those, other than linseed oil and wax were expensive and none were wasted on places that were not seen. Besides it was more work.

   I've  sealed many drawer interiors with shellac with no offensive smell. If that were to happen an old trick is to put a drop of vanilla or a small proportion of gum benzoin into the shellac. 

   The theory in sealing the drawer is to help control expansion and contraction.

   Can you give me your opinion on the "not well thought out" part of this ?

   Thanks,

   Peter Gedrys

1. 
   ErnieConover | May 19, 2006 02:53pm | #4

   One of the reason drawers were unfinished may have been cost but I think it was primarily smell. For all the trouble finishing required, they were creating more problems that were solved. Yes, I have tried shellac (which is probably my favorite finish) but you do get a smell. Covering it up with another smell is just that--covering it up. Let's not even talk about lacquer, which is what most folks trying to make money use. I like the feel of hand planed bare wood on the inside of drawers. I like the point, counter point look of the bare wood. I like the tradition. On the practical side the contents do not slide around during opening and closing as readily. In a properly designed drawer there is no need to control expansion and contraction, for it is already under control. While applying finish to both sides of a table leaf is necessary, it is not need in drawers. They have been left unfinished for centuries. There is a modern tendency to have to prophylactically finish everything. The old Dutch Boy Paint logo of paint covering the world comes to mind. I think this ritualistic culture is not well thought out. I would even call it simplistic. With best regards,
   Ernie Conover

1. 
   peter28 | May 19, 2006 05:30pm | #5

   Ernie,

   Thanks for the reply. The great thing about this forum, in my opinion, is the ability to throw these kinds of ideas and questions around.

   Take care,

   Peter Gedrys

1. 
   ErnieConover | May 19, 2006 05:47pm | #6

   Without a doubt. The whole advantage of a on line magazine is that we can question so called "experts". An opinion that cannot stand the light of day is an opinion not worth bothering about. There is seldom one way to do things in our craft. It is useful to put all the ideas on the table and let folks choose which idea they want to keep.With best regards,
   Ernie Conover