The Armoire is Finished!

derekcohen | Posted in Hand Tools on February 7, 2010 09:12am

When I began building the armoire I decided to post the steps here with the hope that it created interest and discussion, and that out of these discussions we could debate different ways of design, construction and technique. It was also my intention to include some of these discussions – or at least the ideas – in a series of articles on my website. I have started collated the information and posting it. It has been a huge task trying to find a balance between a build sequence and all the detail that has been offered up by forum members. So feel free to say if you feel something has been omitted or needs to be emphasized. Link: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/index.html Well we are no longer in the home straight – the armoire is complete (save for one tiny modification, which came to light as I printed these images). Possibly the biggest headache at the end was designing the handles (used on the doors and drawer). I must have built a dozen in all. The handles that Lynndy liked just did not work, and in the end she agreed. Fortunately she likes the ones that I ended with. I wait with baited breath to hear your opinion. The reason for the difficulty was the diamond inlay that I added to the doors. It created a theme, and simple round handles now really looked out of place. The diamond added a spark of interest in what otherwise might have become “just another country style armoire” (I built one similar to this several years ago, and for that one used Jarrah raised panels in a Hoop Pine carcase. Of course, that one was largely build with power tools, where this one has been largely build with handtools). The other change was to the mirror that was planned to go over the top of the armoire (the armoire is just 53″ high from top to bottom, so the top was intended as a dresser for guests). The mirror was built … but more on this shortly. In addition to the handles and the mirror, I have added a top to the cabinet. OK, so here is the result … View Image View Image The top has some really nice fiddleback Tasmanian Oak .. View Image A closer look at the drawer … View Image View Image And the handles …. ! You have no idea just how difficult these were to shape (tutorial coming). View Image View Image View Image The armoire is shallow to save space as the guest bedroom is on the small side. The design placed the hanging direction forward rather than sideways. This is where I have a slight modification. My original build just rounded the face of the hanger. It occurred to me later than this was not in keeping with the diamond and the dovetails, so I reshaped the front. I left the back round as it cannot be seen at the dark rear of the cabinet. Of course, when I took the pictures, I could see the round back, and it now, too, must be altered .. View Image View Image What of the mirror? The mirror!! I fell in love with the mirror .. or to be more correct, the wood. This is Jarrah at its best! What started off as recycled waste turned into a stunning piece of art (in my eyes, at least 🙂 ). Originally I had planned to place it over the top of the armoire. It was sized to fit exactly when hung on the horizontal. However, when I tried it there it both dominated the armoire and made the combination feel too tall in the room. So I hung it in the vertical alongside the armoire. I think that guests will be charmed by it (and if not, then they will be shown the door!). View Image View Image The figure is just stunning and these picture do not do it justice … View Image View Image So there you have it. Done. Finally. My most sincere thanks to all of you who contributed with your advice and critique (and don’t stop now). Regards from Perth Derek

Replies

AZMO | Feb 07, 2010 10:01am | #1
Marvelous Derek, It really does belong in that room, proportions and scale are so important. The jarah wood mirror is stunning indeed.

Some thoughts, you need wood hangers for your guests....and when full of clothes and no camera flash the round is not so noticeable but, I admire you for changing it.

Handles are a great design, perhaps it is the camera angle but the ones on the front don't look level across the top, but do at the bottom? The Jarah really makes a nice accent.

Thank you taking the time to put this together.

Morgan
RalphBarker | Feb 07, 2010 10:28am | #2
I really like the winner of your handle contest, Derek. They compliment the diamond-shaped inlay without repeating it. And, the mirror looks great, too. Could you e-mail me a couple hundred board feet of the Jarrah, please? ;-)
jumpminow | Feb 07, 2010 03:13pm | #3
As usual, Derek, you have succeeded in creating another fantastic piece for all to admire. I am new to woodworking, so your tutorials are my favorite part of your posts. Please keep creating them. Your talent serves to teach us newbies and keep us trying.
Rich14 | Feb 07, 2010 06:11pm | #4
Derek,

Very nice work. Good proportions and execution.

One suggestion, in the category of using the right material for the purpose - I avoid using a wooden dowel to support clothes hangers. I appreciate that the piece as it now exists uses metal only for the hinges, and you want to maintain an all-wood interior. But there, again (hinges), the proper material is being used for the task.

I always use a metal rod for the hanger support and have even inserted metal splines longitudinally in a wooden dowel to prevent the wood from being damaged by the clothes hanger hooks.

I really dislike the way such a wooden support looks after it's been used (abused) for any length of time. A stainless rod always looks very nice.

Rich
WillGeorge | Feb 07, 2010 11:33pm | #5
I for one LOVE it but WHY does it sit in a lonely corner of the room?

I 'think' you said it was made of Tasmanian Oak? I can get some at my local wood supplier but nothing in the size of your work. Very expensive here and nothing like the color shown in your pictures. I do believe that, if my local supplier of hardwoods said it was Tasmanian Oak, it was real Tasmanian Oak.

As too.. And the handles .... ! You have no idea just how difficult these were to shape (tutorial coming).

I will wait for it but I make handles for my Archery Bows and other work. I use my inexpensive big box Ridgid Oscillating Edge Belt/Spindle Sander.

I DO like the handles matching the diamond angle of the inlays! At least what I SEE in the pictures.. To me it was obvious but then again I like things that are very obvious and many styles that never seem to fit a design.

Great work!

EDIT: I just saw.. Some thoughts, you need wood hangers for your guests.. I think right on with that comment! Maybe wood covered in lace to protect a womans 'things' from any splinters that metal would not offer?