DIY Network

Finishing the Bench Learn how to chrome plate the base and assemble the contemporary bench. From "Freeform Furniture" episode DFFF-208

Amy Devers, host of DIY's Freeform Furniture, chrome plates the base of her eye-catching bench. This involves dipping it in and out of a series of chemical baths and acid rinses. The metal is then soaked in an electromagnetically charged nickel solution.

Finally, the base is dipped in chromium and the bench is assembled using a combination square, awl, mallet and power drill.

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	The room before—before
	The room after—after
	Amy Dever's contemporary creation looks great under any lighting conditions.
	This unique bench is the definitive definition of freeform furniture.
	Freeform Furniture's host completes the contemporary bench project by attaching the legs.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Materials:

solid poplar
water-based casein paint
lacquer
rectangular steel tube
chrome plated
nine separate pieces lumber
pre-surface lumber
glue
clamp
scrap pieces of plywood as cauls
bar clamps
biscuits
pencil
yellow wood glue
plastic credit cards
glue scraper
decorative pieces
cauls
flush trim bit
chamfer bit
dusk mat
sanding block
high-pressure air hose
soft bristled brush
water
lacquer
satin spray lacquer
respirator
mild steel tubes
screws

Tools:

joiner
planer
combination square
table saw
biscuit joiner
square ruler
crosscut sled
random orbital sander
router
abrasive cut off wheel
disc sander
vice clamp
TIG welder
awl
mallet
power drill

Finishing the Bench

1. The chrome plating is done by a professional. Chrome plating the base involves dipping it in and out of a series of chemical baths and acid rinses (figure A). The first few tanks are used to remove oils and weld discolorations. Once this is done the metal is soaked in an electromagnetically charged nickel solution for about 20 minutes. Electricity is what forces the nickel to bond to the steel. This is done because chrome adheres better to the chemicals in nickel alloy than steel. Finally the base is dipped into a pool containing chromium, the chemical that creates the actual chrome when it reacts to the nickel. After the last rinse, the steel base will have a mirror-like finish.

2. To assemble the bench, position the base to the bottom of the bench top and use a combination square to make sure the steel base is centered (figure B).

3. Use an awl and mallet to mark where to drill the pilot holes for the screws.

4. Pilot the holes with a power drill, line up the base and begin to assemble. Screw the base to the bench through oblong slots (figure C) not just round drilled holes. The reason for this is because hardwood has a tendency to expand and contract with moisture and humidity. The slot will allow the bench to grow, swell and shrink a little bit without stripping the hole or loosening itself from the base.

RESOURCES :

Festool
Website: www.festoolusa.com

Stanley Tools Product Group
Website: www.stanleytools.com

Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, Inc.
Website: www.lie-nielsen.com

Power Tools
Porter Cable Power Tools
Website: www.deltaportercable.com

Gladiator GarageWorks
Website: gladiatorgarageworks.com

Hand Tools
Garrett Wade Co., Inc.
Website: www.garrettwade.com

The Peck Tool Company
Website: www.pecktool.com

Biesemeyer
Website: www.biesemeyer.com

Saw Blades
Forrest Manufacturing Company
Website: www.vacupress.com

Jogensen Adjustable Clamp Company
Website: www.adjustableclamp.com

Adhesives, Abrasives and Safety Equipment
The 3M Company
Website: www.3m.com

Klein Tools
Website: www.kleintools.com

Power Tool Accessories
Woodcraft
Website: www.woodcraft.com

Ulmia GmbH
Website: www.ulmia.de

Shop Equipment
Eagle Manufacturing Company
Website: www.eagle-mfg.com

Delta Power Tools
Website: www.deltaportercable.com

WMH Tool Group
Website: www.whmtoolgroup.com

MacBeath Hardwood
Website: www.macbeath.com