Hi, Am pretty new so try to be patient plz! I saw a beautiful cabinet in Yeung Chan’ book using a natural branch on the exterior. The cabinet was made by Margaret O’ brien and I would like to use her technique but could use some advice.
I am trying to find branches around the property that lay as flat as possible to start with and thought that the flattening of one side after debarking could be done either with my Performax or very patiently with hand sanding. What do you think?
I will probably want to run it around a corner of the box so I guess a miter is the only option. Any others?
Also, what about attaching it to the box. The branch will probably be fairly thin so I’m thinking wood glue or epoxy and possibly very small brass screws.
The branch would be an awesome decoration.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Brian
Replies
Brian,
I would use a knife to whittle or split away the back of the branch, followed up with a block plane for final smoothing. Trying to sand a surface truly flat is difficult and time consuming. Flattening the branch on a jointer is also possible but would be hazardous if not carefully handled.
Mitering would be the best way to create a clean joint where the branch wrapped around the corner.
Glue would create a much more secure attachment than small screws. If the branch trim is running across the grain of the cabinet, you will have problems, the same as with any molding, with either the joint breaking or the panel splitting if there is a lot of wood movement.
John White
Thanks John, I think you are right on all points. Have to sharpen the whittling knife. Thanks again, Brian
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