Woodworker: John Kettman

Kettman reproduced this Queen Anne bureau cabinet from photographs of the 1710 original. In an effort to authentically replicate the piece, he employed the tools and techniques of the 17th and 18th centuries; he estimates that 90% of the cabinet is handwork. Instead of a router, Kettman used molding planes for all the details, and rather than use commercial veneers, he resawed his own on the bandsaw. The cabinet is made of English walnut, oak, and pine. It took nearly 2,000 hours to complete. The finish consists of more than 15 coats of hand-rubbed shellac.

Photo: John Kettman

Launch Gallery