| Pyramid Art Pedestal -- Platform Top |
From "Wood Works"
episode WWK-210 |
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Wengae Top Platform With the plywood base assembled and laminated in lacewood veneer, the next phase in this project is to fashion the top platform. The top for this piece is made from three stacked frames, each constructed from wengae (figure A). The bottom frame is 10 inches square, while the middle frame is 12 inches square and the top frame is 14 inches square. The increasing dimensions of the consecutive squares creates a stair-step pattern that opposes the angle of the pyramid base (figure B). Wengae, the wood chosen for this element, is hardwood that grows in central Africa. It is often used in place of ebony because of its rich, dark color and attractive brown-and-black contrasting grain patterns. Wengae is a very dense wood and splinters easily, so use extra caution when working with it. Materials: Wengae stock
Table saw
Mitering jig
Biscuit jointer
#10 biscuit wafers
Band clamp
Hand scraper
Yellow woodworker's glue
Chalk; carpenter's pencil
Safety glasses or goggles
Note: Cut sizes may vary. For exact measurements, please contact David Marks through his Web site -- information below under Resources. Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses when working with wood, saws, drills, routers, etc. Steps: Begin with the top frame. Cut a rabbet in the stock for the top frame. This rabbet will hold the marble piece that will serve as the display surface. The marble is 3/8-inch thick. With the table-saw blade raised 3/8-inch, make the first pass on the table saw (figure C). Re-set the blade to 1-1/2 inches, and make a second pass with the stock placed on its edge (figure D) to finish cutting the rabbet. With the rabbet complete, use a mitering jig (figure E) to cut the frame stock to the proper lengths. With the stop-block set to 14 inches, make the miter cuts for the top frame (figure F). To cut the stock for the middle frame, re-set the stop-block on the mitering jig to 12 inches, then make the cuts on the four sections for that frame. Finally, re-set the stop-block to 10 inches to cut the stock for the lower frame (figure G). Biscuit joinery, using #10 biscuits, will be used to join the frames. Typically, the biscuit slots would be cut in the center of the frame. However, since these finished frames will be beveled (figure H) and some of the stock removed, the biscuits must be offset slightly to avoid letting the biscuits show. To offset the slots, measure in 1-1/2 inch from the inside corner and make a pencil mark to indicate the placement of the cuts (figure I). With the locations marked, use a biscuit jointer to make the offset cuts (figure J). The top frame-stock has a thinner inside-section because of the rabbet that was cut earlier to hold the marble tile. To compensate for the rabbet on the top frame, adjust the fence on the biscuit cutter to make the cut lower on the frame stock (figure K). With the biscuit slots all cut, add glue to the slots and biscuits (figure L) to begin assembling the frames. Pull the joints together with a band-clamp (figure M) to hold them secure as the glue dries. Once the frames have dried, smooth the joints and remove any excess glue using a hand scraper (figure N). The frames are finished off with a design accent -- matching beveled edges made using the table saw. Set the blade on the table saw at 45 degrees (figure O), then set the fence accordingly and cut matching bevels on the underside of each frame (figure P). Use a high-quality sharp blade to make clean cuts on the dense wengae stock. The beveled angles on the top elements will create visual interest to the pedestal, drawing the eye in and accenting the taper of the base. In the segment that follows, the pedestal is assembled and a wood finish is applied.
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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
Popular Woodworking
F & W Publications, Inc.
Website: www.popularwoodworking.com
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