What's New at TimothyClark.com

More on the Kitchen Chair

2025-11-01T13:17:00.002-04:00

Every new design needs some figuring out, and this one did need some adjustments before I ran the first class, teaching this design. I ended up with three different seat designs and students can add their own ideas to the seat and crest shaping or they can copy the chair that I have already made. So far, most students create a detail to make it their own such as in the understructure turnings, outer profile of the seat and the outer profile of the crest rail. These two latest student chairs in the last picture were very close copies of my demo chair. Before the class, students can let me know if they would like to make a chair to be painted or one of cherry and ash to left natural. Take a look at my Classes website for information about this class.

My demo chair

Grouping of my demo chairs

Demo chairs

Finished student chairs from this most recent class.

Ziggy says, "I like it!"

Enjoy the fall!

Tim

The Kitchen Chair - Progress was made

2025-04-07T06:34:00.000-04:00

New chair designs, due to their many angles and complex shapes, can be a real challenge to 'get right' at the start. I need to see it together to know if it works or not. I am finally there with this one after a few starts and stops. That does not mean that I won't tweak it over time, but I am very pleased with this one now.

I named this the Kitchen Chair as it is on the small side of designs and reminds me of little traditional chairs that we no longer see very much of. These were seen at a country kitchen table and not a fancy dining room. At 160 pounds and around 5'9" tall, the chair works for me and it comfortable but not really a lounging chair. It may not be the thing for a larger person. The seat is nice and the back is flexible but maybe not an all day chair. I love the look and how it gives an uncluttered look around the table. It is easy to move around and to get in and out of. Perfect for a breakfast table in a small dining area, or yes, the kitchen.

This chair will be a perfect teaching chair. I have been wanting a design for classes and do not like the idea of teaching someone else's design. Finally, I had some time to work out this new design and I think it will work nicely for a class where students make their own chair. Take a look at my Classes portion of my website to see this and other classes that I am teaching out of my shop. https://www.timothyclark.com/classeshome.html

You will notice that this chair is still rough looking. It is dry assembled but not glued together. The interesting thing about Windsor chairs is that you could use one like this indefinitely and never finish it, as sitting in it only pushes the joints together unlike a table that will most likely fall apart when used if joints are not 'finished'. Still, I will finish it up soon with milk paint.

Ziggy says, "Happy Spring!"

Actually, he said, "Put that camera away please"

2025-03-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

The Kitchen Chair - Creating the Design

I have always loved little wooden kitchen chairs and finally had some time to work on a design. What makes these chairs great is their simplicity and compact size. The challenge also, is their simplicity and compact size. I was inspired by a little wooden chair that I found last year but I did scale it a bit bigger and taller but smaller than my other designs.

For this design, I used the a 3D CAD program to draw up and design the seat pattern and a hand held CNC computer guided router to cut out the pattern.

The chair itself will be made mostly with hand tools. I will offer this design for sale but I also plan to create a class where students will build this chair. Therefore all of the shaping of the seat will be done by hand.

The spokeshave and hand plane will work the outside of the seat and at this point, I am debating leaving tool marks or smoothing some sections further with sanding.

I chose to make the legs similar to my other chairs, but skinnier, as were the legs of many antique kitchen chairs.

Stay Tuned for progress on this design.

Spring is coming,

Tim

Round Pedestal Dining Table

2023-10-21T07:24:00.005-04:00

This is a very hefty table designed with a concert of subtle curves that lighten the look. The very solid foot structure lifts the column two inches above the floor to further lighten the look. The round apron has a strong bead detail that sits proud of the surface allowing it to catch the light and eye. The larger bead details on the post echo this detail. The subtle curve of the post blends gracefully to the top to the feet. The top is varnished hard maple with a hand planed soft edge detail. The base pedestal column is turned by hand from a cylinder of cherry and the feet and apron are made of cherry. Don't hesitate to ask if you have ideas based on this look or other ideas that you may have.

The table is 5' across. The base is cherry with milk paint sealed with Osmo hard wax oil. The top is maple with a varnished top to resist water marks etc.

The semi circle edge detail is inviting to the touch. The strong bead details catch the light nicely.

The customer for the piece had a large roll in the design. We went back and forth with ideas until we found something that we both felt was a strong design. Below is the final 3D drawing of the table before I began making it. I drew this is a cad program so it it very accurate. During the building process, I can go back into the drawing and find measurements that are critical to the creation of the piece.

Enjoy the Fall weather!

Tim

Each Bed: Custom Made for You

2022-03-04T18:53:00.016-05:00

When you buy a bed from me, it is made to fit your particular mattress so that it will finish off at the height that you prefer. Mattress lengths and widths are standardized and are available in sizes such as king, queen, full, twin. The thicknesses, on the other hand, vary greatly.

When I take an order, I get the mattress size, King or Queen usually. If it is King Size, I always confirm if it is a regular King or a California King and there are also a bunch of other King sizes. The standard King is 76" by 80".

Once I have that, I need the thickness of the mattress and I need to know if there will be a box spring. Some mattresses are designed to be used with a special box spring, so I would add that to the mattress thickness. Most mattresses today are substantial enough to work alone and only use a "box Spring" to raise the mattress up from a very low metal bed frame. These "box springs" are actually just boxes and do not have any spring function. In general, on my beds, the mattress sits directly on wooden slats that are closely spaced to give the mattress plenty of support.

Now that I have the mattress thickness, I then figure on a finished height for the mattress. The customer can suggest a height that they's like, or I can put their mattress size into my drawing and then give them a range of height to decide from. We always have a short discussion by email about this, with drawings being sent by email to confirm what they will be getting.

Mattress placement drawing. Mattress in green.

Below is a short video showing how I move things around in the drawing to figure out the mattress height. I cannot make the bed without knowing where the mattress will sit because I make the bottom headboard sit at the top of the mattress. Thus every bed is a bit different.

changing the mattress height from 27" to 30"

Besides, making the bed fit to your mattress, I also offer some options for my pencil post beds. They can have hand turned finials at the top of the posts or cross pieces that connect the tops of the posts. These both come at an additional cost.

Hand turned finials are an option.

Enjoy the rest of winter.

Sleep well

Tim

Hybrid Windsor Bench

2021-10-02T14:01:00.038-04:00

My goal for the Hybrid Windsor Bench was to create a bench that ventures beyond Windsor traditions. Made of sculpted parts of warm wood combined with cool clean steel, it would be inviting to the touch and keep the sitter interested in where they are sitting.

Windsor chairs and benches are defined by a solid seat that has legs and back mortised into it. In this piece, I have exchanged the wedged tenon wooden joinery with stainless steel bolts and fittings while the back and leg support structure is swapped for CAD designed parts.

Every new design remains a mystery until it is completed and I am very happy with how this came out. The back has a nice give to it as do the backs of my usual Windsor chairs that have my trademark "Floating Back". This steel supported back is quite flexible in contrast to what may be expected. The wood is warm and inviting to touch. I think that this is the beginning of many new related pieces.

Over the last few years I have taught myself Computer Aided Design or CAD. For this project, I worked up the design for the piece using the CAD software, but more importantly, I was able to create the files that ran the machine which cut out the stainless steel components. I emailed the files to a machine shop in the next town over and the files were used to drive a waterjet cutter to make my parts. Each part is exactly like the next and exactly what I had designed.

The wooden part of the design centers around a seat that is cut from the same pattern as my more traditional Windsor benches and has turned legs that also come from my

previous work. The sculpted crest rail is new but is actually bent over the same jig as my other Windsor benches. See my other benches here.

While the steel is cut out by a computer guided machine, the wooden parts are shaped and sculpted by hand and the steel parts are all ground and polished to create touchable edges. All of the stainless steel bolt fastenings are chosen to create a finished looking surface top and bottom. The hex heads that are visible on the top of the bench are set flush to the surface. In my mind, these are similar to the look of a traditional, wooden, through wedged tenon joint. As in Shaker tradition, joints are not hidden but are celebrated whether they be metal or wood.

I am sure that there will be some opinions on the use of 'Windsor' in the name of this design and I welcome the discussion.

Below is the sketch that led to this design.

Enjoy the fall weather!

Tim

Rocking Chairs are Back!!

2021-02-14T09:14:00.008-05:00

It seemed like maybe rocking chairs were becoming a thing of the past, but maybe, with everyone at home during Covid, things have changed for the rocker. I have finished 3 rockers over the past few months and have another 3 or 4 on my schedule.

Here are two rockers that I recently finished for one customer. One is in a custom dark brown that I call Delagi Brown and the other is black. One is headed for New York City and the other is headed out to California.

These rockers have a long comfortable rocking motion and are a great addition to many different decors. The milk paint finish highlights the facets from the shaping of the hand shaped parts of the chairs.

Black on left, Delagi brown on right

Lucy and I, discussing the finer points of rocking chairs.

6' Waltham Bench with Arms delivered during Covid19

2020-04-19T17:53:00.001-04:00

This bench was just delivered last week, during the Covid19 shutdown. I am luckily still able to work and my usual shippers are also hard at work during this time. Myself and the shippers are sensitive to your concerns about social distancing etc and are open to your thoughts on following protocols that will help you to feel safe about accepting a delivery.

This is my latest Waltham Bench with arms. The first benches of this design had my thin crest rail. This one has my traditional rail design that I used on my first Waltham chairs and benches. I think this one looks very nice and the curves of the rail accentuate the shape of the seat and the curves of the arm rail. The look is more formal than the thin rail.

This bench has legs added to support the center as do all of my benches over 5' long.

Also, the arm rail which floats behind the spindles has a 'knee' brace to support the center of the rail. I add this to all of my arm rails on benches over 4' long.

Try to get out to enjoy Spring a bit. It has been a bit chilly here in Vermont lately but hopefully it will be warming up a bit.

Take care of yourselves and your family.

Tim

Lucy, contemplating the patio that my wife and I built last fall. We are eager to use it this Spring.

Hand Cut Dovetail Class at the HatchSpace

2020-03-28T07:43:00.000-04:00

Just before all of the social distancing that we are now experiencing, I was lucky to be able to teach my Shaker Bench- Making Hand-cut Dovetails. I am not sure when I will be able to offer this class again but it was great fun to be teaching again especially with this very nice group of people.

This class took place at the HatchSpace in Brattleboro, Vermont. They have a very professional setup staffed by quality people. See more about the HatchSpace.

In this two day class, students each make a "Shaker Bench" while learning how to cut dovetail joints by hand.

I do hope to also teach out of my shop but will definitely teach again at the HatchSpace when opportunity allows. Take a look at my Classes page on my website to see information about this class and also about my Build Your Own Cod Rib 12 Double Paddle Canoe.

Here are some shots from this last class.

photo by Peter Smichenko

Stay well!
Tim

Woodworking Classes Offered This Spring at the HatchSpace in Brattleboro, Vermont

2019-08-01T06:23:00.000-04:00

This Spring I am offering two of my most popular woodworking classes at the HatchSpace in Brattleboro, Vermont. The Shaker Bench class already has enough students to run so sign up soon if you are interested. We just listed the Cod Rib 12 class but I expect it to sell there as well.
To sign up, go to the HatchSpace website.

Make Your Own Shaker Bench:
Cutting Dovetails by Hand
March 14, 15, 2020, Saturday and Sunday, 9am-5pm

We will focus on making hand-cut dovetails while making this very useful bench/table.

Build Your Own Cod Rib 12 Canoe

June 14-19, 2020, Sunday - Friday, 9am-5pm

In the past, I ran my own program of woodworking classes and these two classes were favorites of students. I have decided to mix things up a little this year and offer these two classes again.

Feel free to contact me with any questions. Space is limited to 4 per class so you will get a lot of individual attention.

Mid Century Modern Bench w/ Drawers

2019-05-18T09:10:00.003-04:00

This Mid Century Modern bench has minimal look with rich warm wood that can fit in a modern or traditional setting. The proportions of this bench were designed to fit in an entry hallway. The drawers were for kids gloves and mittens and it is a good spot for taking off shoes and boots. It is strong statement of style as one enters the home. This bench is made of walnut and ash. The walnut on this bench is stained so that it will remain dark. Walnut will lighten over time if it is not stained. Cherry would also be a good choice in place of the walnut.

As all of my work is made to order, this bench could be made deeper and taller for more of dinner bench. Also, it could be made in almost any length. The original of this design was 14' long and was built in two sections, joined in the middle.

Take a look at my website to see all of my furniture. The page of Benches and Settee (the same thing really) is here http://www.timothyclark.com/settee.html

Enjoy the warm weather,

Tim

bunny in the yard

Three Versions of My New Waltham Windsor Chairs

2019-05-18T07:05:00.003-04:00

My Waltham line of chairs is made up of an arm chair, side chair and benches. These are all finished in milk paint and have some traditional detailing. They are designed to have a traditional look but with a comfortable fit of a modern chair. They have a deeper seat and my trademark "Floating Back" design that gives with the sitter.

The New Waltham chairs are the same chairs but with a more modern look. They have a natural finish and most are made of cherry and ash.

My New Waltham Side Chairs are designed to be a chair with ample room and comfort. The seat is round and inviting and it easy to move around in. You can sit straight or turn easily to accommodate changes in position or for entry and exit from the table.

Below is a shot of the New Waltham Side Chair with a New Waltham Arm Chair. Notice that the arm chairs arm rail passes behind the back spindles. This is my trademark "Floating Back Design" that allows the back to flex with the sitter. It is much more comfortable than a traditional Windsor that does not allow for this movement.

Below are two New Waltham Arm Chairs and a Tall New Waltham Arm Chair (center). Most of my customers order the standard New Waltham Arm Chair but occasionally individuals order the Tall version for the ends of the table or for a stand-alone chair.

All of my chair designs can be found at http://www.timothyclark.com/chairs.html

Please take a look and contact me to discuss the right chair for you.

Enjoy the Spring weather,

Tim

Custom Windsor Benches- contemporary and traditional

2018-02-11T10:06:00.001-05:00

I have found a nice niche in the furniture making world with my contemporary Windsor benches or settees. While both lines that I build are rooted in tradition, my New Waltham line features natural finishes that show off the warm wood of the pieces and has a more modern look. These work well for someone who loves wood everywhere or just wants a warm accent to contrast furniture or surroundings that are not rich in natural wood. My Waltham line features, pieces with milk paint finishes and hand carved details that give a more traditional look while not screaming "fife and drum". These pieces also have a warmth that is a nice contrast to an ultra modern decor while blending with a more rustic or period surrounding. More of my benches and settees can be found at my website. TimothyClark.com

5' Waltham Bench with thin crest rail

cherry highlights are seen at edges of the rail with a
rubbed out finish

the carved "gutter" detail is part of my
painted Waltham line.

When I paint a piece, I ask the customer if they want more or less "wear through" of the paint. As the paint is rubbed out there is sometimes a small bit of rub through. My favorite look is to rub through a bit more at high contact edges. This adds highlights that define the lines of the piece. You can ask for more or less of this.The bench below is a 3' version of my Waltham bench with the traditional crest rail. This rail results in the most traditional look of my designs.

This last year, I added a bench with an arm rail to my Waltham line. This design is based on my Waltham Arm chair. If a bench is to be used at a table, I suggest a bench without an arm rail but this design works well in a hall or a spot where the sitter does not need to slide in from the side.

The arm rail passes behind the back spindles as in all of my arm chair designs. This is my "Floating Back" design.

Enjoy the snow,

Tim

Contemporary Windsor Bench with Arms

2018-01-27T22:48:00.002-05:00

Waltham Bench with Arms

4 1/2' Waltham Bench w/arm rail

Up until now, my Waltham line of benches did not have arms but I made four of these at the request of a client. I am very happy with how it worked out. I made this in a 4 1/2' and a 5' version. This bench is $3800. and the Waltham Bench (the one without the arm rail) is $3000.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions and do take a look at the rest of my work at TimothyClark.com
This bench is built of poplar for the seat, cherry for the rails and ash for the spindles, legs and stretchers. It is finished with black milk paint, linseed oil, varnish and wax.

The faceted seat front was new for this design. It shows up in my Waltham Side Chair seats but no where else until now. It just seemed like the right thing to do as I was shaping the seat.

The bench above just had it's arm rail mounted. You can still see the spindle tenons and wedges at the top of the arms and under the seat. Once these are cleaned up, it will be ready for paint.

Ziggy says "When is Spring coming?"

Happy Winter,

Tim

Cherry Pencil Post Beds

2018-01-13T11:21:00.000-05:00

Cherry Pencil Post Bed

Over my 30 years of making furniture professionally, I have a few designs that have been mainstays of my business. My Pencil Post Beds are one of those. I seem to consistently make at least 2 and maybe 4 of these each year. The bed is a lot of cherry. 2 1/2' square posts at the base with a transition to an eight sided taper. This transition is made by way of a carved "lamb's tongue". The facets of the eight sided taper are scribed with a spar makers scribe and then power planed to rough out stock to get close to the scribe lines. The final sizing is done with a hand plane.

Bolted joints make for a solid, quiet bed.

Every bed is made custom to fit the customer's mattress dimensions and to finish off at the height desired by the customer. At present, I offer three options for finishing off the posts. They can be left bare, they can have cross bars (known as testers), or they can have finials. I turn the finials by hand. The finials incorporate a 1/4" diameter steel post that sticks out of the bottom. This is simply dropped into the hole at the top of the post. No wooden peg to break off.

The rails are joined to the posts with an exposed bolt that makes a very solid joint that will not wear out. If the bed were to "loosen up" over the winter due to wood movement, they can simply be tightened. I discovered this design on an original Shaker meeting house trestle table that was made to break down for storage. I loved the practical honesty of the bolt. There was no attempt to hide it behind a brass decorative plate or to sink it deep into the wood. It was celebrated for what it was. The right material for the job. I do offer a completely hidden bolt design but there would be an extra cost as I have custom nuts made for the bolts and the woodwork required is time consuming. I prefer to see the blackened bolt as a detail that contrasts nicely to the warm wood. Check out this and other designs at www.TimothyClark.com.

Queen size bed with finials.

Posts after final shaping ready for finish sanding.

Detail of the post and finial.

Enjoy the crazy weather we are having. Rain and 50 degrees yesterday. Today, 15 degrees and a snow storm.

Lucy says, "Just enjoy the weather!"

Tim

One of a Kind - Live Edge Bench -

2017-10-29T20:49:00.000-04:00

By its very nature, Live Edge furniture results in one of a kind pieces. This one leans a bit farther in the one of a kind direction. After months and months of building my usual designs, I made this piece as a fun "no rules" exercise. When I began, I was not even sure that I would make a bench and had planned to make a small table out of one end or the other of this live edge slab. As I was ready to cut the plank, I started to appreciate the center part of the plank with all of the "character". So, on a whim, I cut off the ends and left a 57" length with the "character" right in the middle, deciding that it would be a bench. Realizing that the center would not be strong enough to sit on, unsupported, I decided to give it a center leg. The stretchers that support that center leg come into it at an angle to echo the curve of the seat. As I turned the legs, I designed as I went having nothing in particular in mind. I turned the straight collar section at the joints, stepped it down for a tapering run to the bottom and top. I really like the graceful curve of the seat. This would be strange normally but works beautifully as it is the natural curve of the tree. This bench is available and is priced at $1800. Let me know if you are interested.

The knotty section in the center was stabilized with epoxy and while textured at the edge, it is smooth to the touch.

I think of it as a bench for a mudroom or hall but here it works as a coffee table.

Ziggy says- Happy Fall!

Windsor Benches Going Like Hot Cakes

2017-06-30T06:46:00.000-04:00

Each year, I seem to have flurries of order activity of certain items. One year, I have a string of beds to do, then a few dining tables in a row or a number of case pieces. Some years, all I do it make chairs. This year has been the year of the Waltham Bench. I have been doing these one after the other in different finishes, colors and sizes. Dare I say, "trend"? We'll see.

I do like making these and while the 5' bench is the one that I make most, I have made it in 6', 4 1/2'. 5 1/2', 3', 3.5' and I am in the process of making a 4' version of this bench. I make it with a more traditional tall crest rail but the thin rail has been the most asked for lately. Even though the thin rail has a more modern look, it is still a very traditional form. Stay tuned for one with arms. I have a new order for 4 of them.

Here are a few pics of recent benches.

photo by a PA client

6' Waltham Bench in Federal Blue- see Park Hyatt pic below

The federal blue 6' Waltham Bench can be seen at the Park Hyatt in Washington DC. This color can look a bit gray blue in some light or electric vibrant blue in other light. The bench and three custom low back chairs are off to the left.

pic from park hyatt photographer

Enjoy the wet weather,

Tim

Evolving Windsor Chair Designs at TimothyClark.com

2017-01-10T07:09:00.001-05:00

My latest adaptation to the more modern of my Windsor chair designs is the addition of stretchers as a means of supporting the legs. I will still offer the laminated leg supports but I was ready for a change. All of my chair designs can be seen on my website here. The legs and stretchers are rough turned on the lathe and then hand planed to the final shape on the shaving horse.

Enjoy the cool weather. We have had a chilly week but temps should be more reasonable later this week.
Tim

New Windsor Bench and Rocking Chair at TimothyClark.com

2016-12-18T08:32:00.001-05:00

The last few years have been very busy in my shop. I am starting to realize that I need some help. In the meantime, I have been plugging along and doing some of my best work. Here are two new designs that are adaptations of previous designs.

The New Waltham Side Chair Rocker which I also call the Musician's Rocker, replaces my previous side chair rocker. The New Waltham seat is larger and more comfortable and the look works for me. You can see it here on my website. http://www.timothyclark.com/r_newwalrock.html

Next up is my latest 3' Waltham Bench which this time has the thin crest rail which has been very popular over the last few years. I originally thought that this design was impractical since it was so small but this one was for a mudroom and is a great place to get in and out of shoes as you place your bags or other stuff on the bench next to you.

Ziggy continues to entertain me in the shop.

Have a great holiday season.
Tim

The 28 Leg Windsor Bench Odyssey

2016-11-26T16:05:00.000-05:00

I delivered this bench to the NYC restaurant Rouge Tomate in Chelsea this last summer and much of the previous six months were taken up with its creation. It was a very challenging project on many levels. The main challenges were physical because of its sheer size, and technical for figuring out the corners and to make the four sections function as separate pieces as well as working as one. My back took weeks to get to normal after straining it day after day of moving the sections around my small shop.

I started referring to it as the "28 leg windsor bench" as it was a bit difficult to otherwise describe. It is 25' 10" long and at both ends it takes a right angle turn to extend 54" from the back (of the long section) to the end of the arm rail.

This shows one of the corner sections with the bench unassembled.

Below are a bunch of shots taken during the building process. The order in which the parts are made is critical in a project like this since all of the parts need to end up working like a huge whole unit. There are no guides for how to do a project like this. As far as I know, this has not been done before, so I was making it up as I went along. The challenge of making it work as a single unit is that I was never able to assemble the whole bench until I installed it in the client's restaurant.

parts for the corner sections

corner getting lined up for making the permanent corner joint

shaping the joined corner with hand
and power tools

lining up the two straight center sections

this is 1/2 of the total base.
one corner and one straight section

never a good way to work on the corner sections and notice the other two sections down the right. they are always in the way.

my daily game of large format Tetris.
they just didn't mesh together nicely

rails were created in sections.
this one of the four 90 degree corners being glued up

rail sections after glue up

crest rail corner reader to be
mated to straight sections

scarf joint of corner to straight section

What's New? Lots!

2016-02-21T08:29:00.000-05:00

In my digital world, Instagram has been a huge new thing. Please take a look at my page at https://www.instagram.com/timothyclarkfurniture/ It is a good place to see what is happening in my shop in an off the cuff way. Lots of shots of things happening as they are happening. Pretty much whatever catches my eye. The drawback of Instagram is that I have been neglecting my blog posts.
So, here are a few things-

I got a nice picture from an NY customer, showing my their round ended trestle table that I made for them last year. It is nice to see it all ready for guests. The round ends allow is to seat 8 people very nicely. A previous post about the building of this table is here- http://windsorchairsvermont.blogspot.com/2015/04/back-in-shop.html and finished pictures are on my website here- http://www.timothyclark.com/t_trestleroundend.html

I made Waltham Arm chair #102 a couple of weeks ago. I am now working on #105 and 106 and will start soon on #'107 - #114.
You will notice in the picture below, I marked the chair as #101. I just looked through my book and saw that I had already numbered a New Waltham Arm chair with an office base with the number 101. Oh well. Case of the double 101.

Below is a Cod Rib Arm Chair that I made back around 1990. I just delivered a dining table to them and they were customers from way back when I was getting started. I made some of my first sets of chairs for them. This one had a seat glue joint that needed some attention and while I had it, I decided to replace the braces on the legs.
I do not know what number this chair is but it could be under number 20.

Currently, I am making Cod Rib Arm Chair # 118. The drill but not shaped seat is sitting on a seat for a 5' Waltham Bench in the same condition. I have another cherry version of that same bench roughed out to the same point. Whenever I can, I like to make more than one at the same time as there is a lot of set up for each step of the way. These benches will be #13 and #14.

Below are some of the many spindles that will go into those two benches. 32 for each bench. Lots of hand planing on the shaving horse.
Winter did not really make it here this year. It has been a strange one. So, here is a parting shot to fit the strange weather.My daughter Claire and a "her size" Darth Vader.May the Force be with you,Tim

Busy Busy Busy

2015-11-23T19:37:00.000-05:00

I have not posted a new blog in a long time. I have had a very busy summer and fall that has not left me with a lot of free time. I did just start an instagram page- timothyclarkfurniture that I am using quite a bit. Mostly, I am posting shots of work in progress right from
the shop. You can see a small slideshow at the right on this page.

I am just finishing up a king size Painted Pencil Post Bed that will be going to Texas soon. It is my second pencil post bed to Houston in the last six months. Interesting. The pictures below were taken after the first coat of milk paint. It is still gray and dull looking. After the second coat, it will be oiled and then sealed and will have a dark look with a low sheen.

Shavings from planing out the various parts of the bed.

Below is a drawing of the huge bench that has taken up much of my time lately. It will be over 25' long and will turn a corner at each end and run for a bit over 4'. So in all, it will be around 33' feet long. The Buddha had 33 teeth they say. So therefore... when I finish I may just achieve Nirvana. Just checking to see if anyone is reading this.

The crest rail is almost completed on the end of the bench.

OK, a few shots of Stella who always keeps me entertained.

Have a good Thanksgiving.

Tim

Curly Maple Trestle Table with Painted Base and a New Cod Rib Rocker

2015-07-21T20:30:00.000-04:00

Last week I finally delivered this table to a very nice couple in Vermont. Many think that I would do a lot of work for people in Vermont but usually my local work amounts to one order per year.

I was very happy to receive this note a few days after the delivery.

"A note to let you know how much we appreciate the beautiful craftsmanship and finished result of the tiger maple trestle table. The words used by our guests were’ stunning’ and they reflect our own sentiments. You surprised our expectations!"

A tiger maple key to match the top.

Below is a new Cod Rib Rocker with the added detail of the carved gutter around the base of the spindles. A while back, the same client in California requested the gutter detail on some New Waltham Side chairs. I usually only put the gutter on my painted chairs but I think it looks nice.

Don't be afraid to suggest detail additions or modifications. Many times the results are great.

The garden is doing great after all of the rain that we had.

Enjoy the rest of July.

Tim

Trestle Table w/ Round Ends All Finished

2015-05-14T21:41:00.000-04:00

I finally finished this table, photographed it, and it is now in it's new home. I received a call from the client when the table arrived and they were very happy with how it came out. I love those calls. I am looking forward to seeing pictures of it in place.

On to the next projects.

I have made a lot of progress on a pencil post bed, but am waiting for some custom hardware that I need before I can finish it.

In the meantime, I have started the next Trestle Table that will have a rectangle top and a painted base, a Cod Rib Rocker, a 5 1/2' Waltham Bench, and a set of Waltham Chairs.

size- 40" wide, 74" long, 30" tallTrestle Table w/ Round Ends

Back in the Shop

2015-04-15T21:59:00.000-04:00

Before I went in for hip surgery, three weeks ago, I started a trestle table with round ends. The round ends posed a bit of a challenge as a hand cut radius is very hard to make to appear true. So, I made a jig for the router and cut the curves that way.

The edge treatment for this table base and top is a round that is less than a bullnose. A router is used to define a uniform depth and then the curve is shaped by hand with a plane. Below, shows the edge of the table routed and then finished.

Since I have recovered I have been working on the trestle base for the table. I am make the joints with full through tenons, top and bottom that are wedged and pegged.

This detail of the trestle foot, shows the edge treatment that all of the parts receive.

A few shots of the shop below on a nice sunny day.

Below are a couple of Cod Rib Rockers that I dropped off at the Edgewater Gallery in Middlebury, VT just before my surgery.

And finally, below are some shots that show a 5' Waltham Bench seat being shaped. Another project that I finished before my surgery.

Enjoy the sunny weather. I got out for my first bike ride with my new hip. That was really fun even if it was just 1/4 mile or so. Happy Spring!