DIY Network

Freestanding Mirror -- Handcrafted Handles and Wood Finish From "Wood Works" episode WWK-109

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The curved details of the freestanding mirror, and the warm tones of the oxidized cherry finish, add grace and style to the design. The arched rail gives the frame stature and complements the fluid curves of the leg. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G The ebony-handled locking pins are functional in that they hold the pivoting mirror in place, but they also add a contrasting design element. The curved legs form a base that is slender but strong enough to support the mirror's weight.

With the frame and leg assemblies made, the construction of the freestanding cherry mirror frame is nearly complete. The frame has been shaped, and all of the pieces have been prepared for assembly. This segment shows some of the finishing touches.

Materials:

Ebony stock for handles
Band saw
Drill press
Woodworker's hand tools (e.g., files, rasps, sandpaper)
Epoxy glue
Tung oil
Paintbrushes
Clean rags
Protective rubber gloves

Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses when working with wood, saws, drills, routers, etc.

Safety Alert: Always wear protective gloves when working with wood stains and solvents.

• Hand tools such as files, patternmaker's rasps and sandpaper (figure A) are used to soften any rough edges on the wooden elements of the standing mirror.
  
  
  
  
• The full assembly is dry-fitted one last time (figure B) before a wood finish is applied.
  
  
  
  
• Wedge-shaped ebony handles (figure C) are made to highlight the locking pins that hold the mirror in place in the frame.
  
  
  
  
• The ebony pieces were cut into a dovetail shape on the band saw, and a hole was drilled in each using the drill press (figure D). Brass threaded rods -- which match the threaded inserts installed earlier in the frame stiles -- are epoxy-glued into the holes. These locking pins work nicely for holding the mirror in place, and the ebony accents add to the overall aesthetics of the piece.
  
  
  
  
• Once the dry-fit is complete and the locking pins checked to ensure that they are working properly, the mirror is disassembled so that a wood finish can be applied.
  
  
  
  
• A generous coat of tung oil is applied and rubbed thoroughly into the wood (figure E).
  
  
  
  
• Once the tung oil has been applied, the cherry base and frame are taken outside where they will be exposed to the sun (figure F). The pieces are left in the sun for several hours, and the process is repeated on several sunny days. The sun's rays give cherry wood a distinctive oxidized finish, causing the wood to darken and take on a deep, reddish hue.
  
  
  
  
• Once the finish is complete, the cut mirror glass can be placed in the frame and the plywood back panel secured in the rabbet with wood screws (figure G). Pilot holes are drilled to make it easier to install the screws

  Tip: When installing the screws, apply a small amount of wax to the threads to help them glide more easily into the pilot holes.

When fully assembled, this mirror is a fine example of contemporary styling. The arched rails give it stature and are designed to complement the fluid curves of the legs. The legs gently rise into a base that is elegantly slender, and the ebony-handled pins add functionality as well as style. The sun-oxidized finish brings out the natural warmth of the cherry wood.

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RESOURCES :

Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com

The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619

Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561583456

Mastering Woodworking Machines (Fine Woodworking Book)
Author: Mark Duginske
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 0942391985

David Marks Website
David Marks, DIY's Wood Works host, is a master woodworker. For more information on cut sizes and project details, please contact him via his Website at www.djmarks.com

Beds and Bedroom Furniture: The Best of Fine Woodworking
Model: 1561581917
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking
(1997)

The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com

The Complete Woodworker's Companion
Author: Roger Holmes
Publisher: Watson-Guptill
ISBN: 0823008665

Advanced Woodworking
Model: 0783539126
Author: Editors of Time Life Books
1998
Time-Life Books Inc.
Website: www.timelife.com

Popular Woodworking
F & W Publications, Inc.
Website: www.popularwoodworking.com