Replies

1. 
   vbwoodworks | Oct 17, 2005 01:47pm | #1

   what issue is it in I'd like to see it.

1. 
   BenM | Oct 17, 2005 08:01pm | #3

   FWW had an article by Lance Patterson on building a bombe chest in Issue 45 (Mar/Apr 1984).  It only gives the most brief of highlights on how to form the sides and front.  The article assumes you already know how to build complex furniture.

1. 
   vbwoodworks | Oct 18, 2005 02:00pm | #4

   All I wanted was to know what issue it was in as I didn't remember ever seeing it. As far as complex pieces go, lets just say that this isn't my first rodeo.

1. 
   charlesstanford | Oct 18, 2005 02:48pm | #5

   I think Ben meant to respond to the original poster not you.

   Check the online index or email customer service.  I very clearly remember the article but not the issue it appeared in.

    

2. 
   BenM | Oct 18, 2005 02:56pm | #6

   No offense intended.  I just wanted to point out that it was NOT a typical article on how to make the piece from start to finish.  If you can't find a copy of the article and are still interested, email me and I will scan and email it to you.

2. 
   charlesstanford | Oct 17, 2005 07:43pm | #2

   I've read that article and it is as good as any you'll find.  A true Bombay form is one of the most difficult pieces to  build.  Those tackling them will usually obtain overall dimensions from an historical example and build from there after having researched the form thoroughly.  FWIW, you will find some of your answers at sapfm.org in an online Q&A with somebody who built one.

   If you need step-by-step you are going to be disappointed for the form itself is, again, "quite complicated" as you've noted.

   A coopered Bombay is easier to build but is a poor substitute for one whose sides are worked from the solid.  To be true to the form, the lower drawer sided are curved to fit the case.  This has extraordinary implications for the dovetail joinery used in the drawers.

   Nothing is impossible with an unlimited amount of time, but this is as close to an "if you have to ask how to build it you probably can't" project as you are likely to find.

   But don't let me discourage you.

    

   
   

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   Edited 10/17/2005 1:28 pm ET by charlesstanford

3. 
   ron4 | Oct 20, 2005 03:57pm | #7

   Rodale's Illustrated Cabinetmaking ISBN 0-87596-796-5 Has a little two page Description and exploded diagram of a Bombe Chest. They reference the Lance Patterson article and also an article in Masterpieces of Furniture Salomonsky ISBN 0-486-31281-1 which gives a blowup and measurements. While these two articles are not by themselves a detailed drawing they do give some good information and detail hints. Perhaps you could find them at a local library.