Cabinetry Projects and the Vertue Restoration
July '06
Varnish, Oil, or Wax?
We are approaching the end of the Ships Cabinetry class and all the students are involved in the final assembly and finishing of their tool chests. The breadth of individual design is amazing, one is traditional with a flat top and rope grommets, while others are almost art nouveau in their detail and style. Lapstrake tops are popular, there are several, in various spices, and curvatures. There are also raised panels and even a butcher-block. The final question is how to finish the wood, again a very individual choice, most are rubbed with traditional oil, while others are using wax or varnish.
Each of the students has created an individual unique piece, of which they can be proud, and which will serve them throughout their careers as woodworkers. A fine tool chest not only safely stores fine tools, but will be a calling card at every jobsite they visit. Nice work.
(Tad Roberts)
To see more ships cabinetry built at SBSS, please visit the Archive pages.
