WOODWORKING Index
Antiques
Bedroom
Seating
Chests
Decorative-Accent Furnishings
Shelves & Cabinets
Tables
Products
Woodworking Shop
Other

BEST OF WOODWORKING
Mold Quiz
Home Safety
Room Planner
Pet Care Guide
Weekend Projects
DIY to the Rescue
Sparkling Solutions
Organize Your Home
Ultimate Media Room
Picture Perfect Parties
Queen of Clean

SPONSOR LINKS

  • European Dish Rack -- Side Panels and Fretwork
  • From "Wood Works"
    episode WWK-410
    advertisement

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure A

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure B

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure C

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure D

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure E

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure F

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure G

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure H

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure I

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure J

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure K

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure L

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure M

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure N

    Click here to view a larger image.

    Figure O

    Side Panels and Fretwork

    With the frame, front assembly and support rail complete, work can now begin on the side panels that feature decorative fretwork.

    Materials:

    Table saw
    Drum sander
    Table router; flush-bearing bit
    Scroll saw
    Flexible-shaft grinding tool
    Flap sander
    Hand scraper
    220-grit sandpaper
    Yellow woodworker's glue
    Clamps
    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, power-tools, saws, drills, routers, etc.

    Steps:

    • Cut the two oak side-panels to proper length (11-3/4 inches) using the table saw with cross-cut sled.

    • The stock for the side panels should be thick enough to be sturdy, but not so thick as to make fretwork difficult. Use the drum sander to ensure that both panels are exactly 1/4-inch thick (figure A).

    • The panels will be held in place in dados cut along the inside edge of the frames. At the router table, with the stop-block positioned along the fence, cut stop-dados in each of the posts (figure B). The dados should be cut 1/4-inch deep, and should run between the two mortises (figure C).

    • Remove the stop-block and cut through-dados in the side rails (figure D).

    • Now work can begin on the decorative fretwork. Much of the work in this phase of the project is done using a scroll saw. Begin by creating a design on paper. Once you have a design you like, make a few copies. Glue the design onto the panels (figure E) using a light coat of glue.

    • Drill small piercing holes through each of the larger sections of the design (figure F). Place the panel on scrap MDF to prevent chip-out as you drill each section (figure G).

    • Thread the scroll-saw blade through one of the holes and clamp it securely (figure H).

    • Now you can begin cutting out the design on the scroll-saw (figure I).

      Tip: Cutting with a scroll saw is not difficult, but it does take some practice to get the feel of the technique. Apply steady pressure as you cut. As you cut around bends and corners, ease up on the pushing pressure to prevent the blade from lunging.

    • Meticulously work your way around the design until each section of the pattern is completely cut out (figure J).

    • Use a hand-scraper to remove the leftover paper pattern (figure K).

    • To add a three-dimensional look, use a flexible-shaft grinder to carve shallow channels to connect the individual sections (figure L).

    • Use a 220-grit flap-sander (figure M) to clean and smooth the edges of the design (figure N). The flap-sander is an ideal tool for finish-sanding irregular and contoured surfaces.

    • Finally, add glue to the mortises and tenons in the rails to glue the side panels in place.

    • Clamp the assembly securely (figure O) to allow the glue to dry.

    In the segment that follows, the dish rack is assembled and a wood finish is applied.


    Click here to order your tools and materials for this project from Woodcraft!


    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

    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

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: