F&C FURNITURE & CABINETMAKING FEBRUARY 2016 FEBRUARY CABINETMAKING & FURNITURE F&C Furniture &cabinetmaking DESIGN • INSPIRATION • PROJECTS • TECHNIQUES • TESTSTESTSS • NEWSN EWE WS • EXCELLENCEEXE XCCEE LLE BOX CLEVER BuildB the Monumental uultimate achievement for Lowfat Roubo bench on a NEJ Stevenson budget BREAKFRONT BOOKCASE • PATCH REPAIRS • POWER T POWER • REPAIRS PATCH • BOOKCASE BREAKFRONT Project Breakfront bookcase Tool tech power tool 4 tips that will save you time OOL TIPS OOL Restoration tech Make patch repairs that disappear Issue 241 Issue F&C241 Cover FINAL.indd 1 23/12/2015 09:34 IF IN DOUBT.. ...USE A HAMMER Combination Machine C3 31 Saw Spindle Moulders B3 perform B3 winner B3 basic Panel Saws K4 perform K3 winner comfort K3 basic Bandsaw Horizontal Mobile Dust Belt sander Mortiser Extractor N4400 N3800 D3 S01 HS 2200 IFC_001_FCM_241.indd 2 23/12/2015 15:41 The obvious choice! HAMMER - A range of over 20 machines for the keen and professional woodworker. FELDER-GROUP UK Unit 2, Sovereign Business Park, Joplin Court Crownhill, MK8 0JP MILTON KEYNES Spindle moulder Tel. 01908 635 000 [email protected] www.ukhammer.co.uk Request your free catalogue now! F 3 Planer-Thicknessers/Planers/Thicknessers A3 41 A3 31 A3 26 A3 41 A A3 41 D Combination Machines HAMMER Quality and precision from C3 31 perform C3 31 AUSTRIA IFC_001_FCM_241.indd 3 23/12/2015 15:41 002_FCM_241.indd 2 23/12/2015 15:33 WELCOME TO FURNITURE & CABINETMAKING Welcome to... …an exciting New Year PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF GMC/DEREK JONES GMC/DEREK OF COURTESY PHOTOGRAPH I learned valuable new skills at Yannick Chastang’s excellent marquetry course o, here we are, our first official post- and the influence it has had on my skill set; neighbour’s skip when you get home tonight Christmas issue and we’ve hit the deck most recently the thoroughly addictive art of and tell me what you see. Srunning. In every walk of life there are Boulle marquetry as performed on a donkey. Finally, on the must-see list this month standout names, usually just one or two, I had Yannick Chastang to thank for this, is our gallery feature on page 22. The that become synonymous with the subject and encourage anyone wishing to expand workshops of NEJ Stephenson are one of, if and capture the essence of that craft in their decorative art skills to spend a few very not the most, significant commercial ’shops just a few syllables. Ron Hock is a perfect agreeable days in his company and attend trading in the UK today. With a long list of contemporary example and we’ve asked him one of his courses. The next one is planned professional accolades and prestigious to spill the beans on his rise to almost cult for 28 February. For more details visit www. commissions to their name, the Rugby-based status amongst woodworkers. Ron has done marquetrycentre.com. company have allowed us a rare glimpse of for Stanley what Carroll Shelby did for the On a broader note, another figure that has some of their work and the stories behind Mustang and John Cooper did for the BLMC touched many a woodworker’s life this year is them. If you like what you see, then make Mini; taken an entry-level product and made André Jacob Roubo. The ubiquitous Roubo a note to join us next month as we it perform like a thoroughbred. bench must be on the wishlist of more wood- go behind the scenes and speak to their I doubt by the time he retires there will be workers than any other item, but with single senior craftsman. Right now, though, a reputable ’shop in the English-speaking 8ft long by 2ft wide and 4in thick slabs of there’s still enough time to raise a glass world without either a fully blown Hock tool or clear French oak (Quercus robur) being hard to 2016 and all that lies ahead, starting replacement blade upgrade. Don’t worry, as to come by, I suspect most of us will have to with the current issue. far as we know, that day isn’t likely to occur compromise. Subscriber to F&C Matt Morse any time soon in case you were wondering. has done precisely that by putting even my Before we launch too far ahead with the Lowfat Roubo bench to shame building 2016 programme it would be remiss of me his own version of the bench from recycled Derek Jones not to mention one of last year’s highlights joists – see page 27. Now look into your [email protected] www.woodworkersinstitute.com F&C241 3 F&C_241_3_LEADERckDJ.indd 1 18/12/2015 09:14 Contents Issue 241 February 2016 61 EDITOR Derek Jones Email: [email protected] Tel: 01273 402843 ASSISTANT EDITOR Briony Darnley Email: [email protected] DESIGNER Oliver Prentice GROUP EDITOR – WOODWORKING Mark Baker Email: [email protected] SENIOR EDITORIAL ADMINISTRATOR Karen Scott Email: [email protected] Tel: 01273 477374 ILLUSTRATOR Simon Rodway CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Anthony Bailey ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Russell Higgins, Email: [email protected] ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTION & ORIGINATION GMC Repro Email: [email protected] Tel: 01273 402810 PUBLISHER Jonathan Grogan PRODUCTION MANAGER Jim Bulley Email: [email protected] Tel: 01273 402810 PRODUCTION CONTROLLER [email protected] CIRCULATION MANAGER Tony Loveridge Toast to success: N.E.J. Stevenson – see page 22. Front cover image courtesy of ©PLP/N.E.J. Stevenson MARKETING Anne Guillot SUBSCRIPTIONS Helen Christie Tel: 01273 488005, Fax: 01273 478606 Design & Inspiration Projects & Techniques Email: [email protected] PRINTED IN THE UK Making it happen Laminated Roubo bench Stephens and George Print Group 18 Ron Hock tells our International 27 Splash out on materials for new DISTRIBUTION Seymour Distribution Ltd Correspondent Anne Briggs Bohnett how projects or replace a faithful, but tired, old Tel: 020 7429 4000 to cut it as a maker in the 21st century bench? With a bit of nifty recycling, Matt Furniture & Cabinetmaking magazine (ISSN 1365-4292) Morse fi nds a clever way of doing both is published every four weeks by Guild of Master Craftsman Toast to success Publications Ltd On a knife edge From high-end cabinetry to luxury 22 When it’s the little details that SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes p&p) drinks packaging, Nick Stevenson tells us 34 UK Europe Rest of World how the company he founded has crafted make all the difference, surely it pays to 12 issues £51.00 £63.75 £71.40 make your own hardware? Jacques Breau 24 issues £102.00 £127.50 £142.80 a charming cocktail of commissions jigs up to make his own knife hinges US subscribers visit www.lightningpublications.com for subscription rates in USD $. Our correspondent... Breakfront bookcase explores preparing Cheques made payable to GMC Publications Ltd 38 Mark Ripley makes this simple,but Current subscribers will automatically receive a renewal a marquetry packet 43 notice (excludes direct debit subscribers). This month in Our Correspondent, imposing, piece in fi ne quarter-sawn oak Post your order to: The Subscription Department, Amber Bailey looks at making a marquetry GMC Publications Ltd, 166 High Street, Lewes, packetfor this delicate work Just add colour East Sussex BN7 1XU Tel +44 (0)1273 488005, Derek Jones tries out a range Fax +44 (0)1273 402866 Email: [email protected] 50 Website: www.thegmcgroup.com Invis – a solution where of Treatex hardwax base colours Views and comments expressed by individuals in the magazine 48 nothing else would work! do not necessarily represent those of the publishers and no Joe Della-Porta puts the Invis system to the Super powers legal responsibility can be accepted for the results of the use Charles Mak shares some power tool by readers of information or advice of whatever kind given in test, with help from the Lamello tech team 54 this publication, either in editorial or advertisements. No part of tricks that will enhance your ’shop effi ciency this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system Plain dealing or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior The saw doctor will permission of the Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd. 67 John Adamson reports back from the David Stanley 66th international auction 56 see you now © Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd. 2016 and wonders what the unassuming makers Mark Harrell considers the continuum Problems finding F&C? Call Tony Loveridge, our of some of our most essential tools would of a toothline and why it’s crucial to select Circulation Manager, on 01273 477374 or email him the right plate guage and PPI for the work at [email protected] Alternatively, save up make of the prices they fetch today to 20% on the cover price by subscribing. Visit www. you want to do thegmcgroup.com/publications Under the hammer – Chippendale side chairs Rosewood chiffonier Woodworking is an inherently dangerous 80 This month we look at four Chippendale 61 side cabinet – part 4 pursuit. Readers should not attempt the First impressions count so this month ! procedures described herein without side chairs that were recently auctioned seeking training and information on the in New York it’s time to smarten up our chiffonier’s safe use of tools and machines, and all readers should appearance with a few minor repairs and observe current safety legislation. just a little understated bling 4 F&C241 www.woodworkersinstitute.com F&C_241_4_5_CONTENTSck.indd 4 23/12/2015 09:37 YOUR F&C Contents 43 Your F&C Leader 3 Derek Jones welcomes you to this month’s issue of F&C News & Events 6 A round-up of what’s going on in the world of furniture F&CUK & readers’ letters 10 An open invitation for furniture makers to let us know what you’re up to… Editor’s choice 12 Having trouble sourcing the right 27 tool for the job? Derek Jones sets about identifying the essential tools and equipment on offer this month 38 Workshop library 72 This month we review The Art and Architecture of C.F.A.