Speaking of dutchmen Lou

[Dave on the Charlottes]

Reading the ugly wood post,and Lou mentioning dutchmen, prompted me to post these pics of a table I am buildig. Its not finished yet but will post some completed pics when done. Dave http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?...p=50244092.jpg
and http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?...p=50244083.jpg

[WoodMangler]

Well...I have to admit...(geez I hate admitting stuff...)
I have never thought of using those as a decorative accent...only where they were needed. I'm thinking about it now!
Great work...thanks for the pics....
Marc

[Lou_williams]

I just have to get a digital camera. I don't want to take a picture get it developed, scan the thing then find a place to post it. So I don't post pictures very often.

But, Dave that is very very nice work. a dutchmen can be used as a very nice accent if done right and you done right.

Lou

[Dave on the Charlottes]

Thanks Guys. Lou the camera I have is a Kodak DC3200, cheap. Here in Canada I paid $319.00 and then you send in a coupon and get $75 back.It is not the greatest but is not to bad either.It suits me for an entry level and is so easy to use. It comes with software and connector and from taking the pic to downloading to computer,about 3 min.Very user freindly. I had more trouble trying to get a broken cork out of a bottle of Cabernet than figuering this thing out. Highly recommend a digital. I think Fuji has something similiar for around the same $.As I get more familiar with this new technology I will probably upgrade but we have to start somewhere. Remember your first power tool? Dave

[Lou_williams]

My problem is I know too much. And as a result I am the position that I want to buy the unit I CAN'T AFFORD. So I buy nothing and complain about it.

Lou

[rrich]

Dave,
My reaction to your table top was but one word:

W O W ! !

Really good work,
Rich

[Marilyn (Guest)]

For us beginning woodpeople could you explain what these are normally used for and how do you get/make them? The table top looks like a piece of art. Coffee table or dining table? I love the use of the different types of wood for contrast.

[Lou_williams]

It is used as a decorative repair or attachment method. Think of it as a kind of dovetail. The first time I saw it used was on a confrence table top that was made from a big slab of wood. The natural spits were held together with dutchman.

Nakashima was famous for using them.

The way to make one is choose the wood you want to use. It can be contrasting or the same as your main stock. Make the shape like a bow tie. Use the made dutchman to mark the location to be cut. Cut out the waste with chisels or combination of router and chisels. It needs to be a very tight fit and glue and insert the dutchman.

Hope that helps.

Lou

[Marilyn (Guest)]

Thanks Lou, very descriptive explanation. Any particular reason that shape evolved as opposed to a trapezoid or rectangle for instance? Inherent design strength?

[Lou_williams]

It is like a dovetail. The shape of two wedges that trap the work together.

Lou