Being wood furniture craftsmen for 20 years, my Baroque console table project was the most interesting and frustrating experience. I love to build French Louis furniture reproductions, especially Louis XVI period which to be more simple. Turned and fluted foot can be made easily with woodworking machine, less carvings and ornaments. I have built a lot of reproduction of French antique furniture, from Louis sleigh bed to Medaillon chair. But, i avoid working on reproduction of Rococo and Baroque period. Until one day, a customer wanted me to build Baroque period console table by emailed me a photo of white painted mahogany console table. After considering difficulties that may arise during the process i refuse the job politely. Build Baroque period console table according to a photo is not easy. Moreover, the specifications add another difficulties. The piece has to be made of teak solid wood, steel brushed, natural unfinished.
Teak wood, uniform color and grains is mandatory for natural unfinished furniture pieces. In recent years, the grade and cutting age of plantation teak timber decrease. It has been difficult to get teak timber with a diameter more than 60 cm. The Baroque console table has four Cabriole legs that require large wood, and remember the color should be uniform.
Elaborate carving, the Baroque period furniture famous for its carvings. It is easier to carve teak than mahogany wood though. However, the elaborate carvings of the console table would become a problem when sanding and brushing it with steel brush. This process must be done by hand because steel brush machine will destroy the carvings, especially the small details.
But, at the end of the week i accept the job, because the customer is pleased to visit me at Indofur to discuss the detail of the process and the results.
Shop drawing.
As usual, shop drawings is the first stage that need to be completed to determine the size of each components of furniture. Also, to obtain customer approval on the design shape and features. Any part of the pieces will be made according to the size and shape of the shop drawing. After components and joints are made, the piece is assembled without glue and fixtures. And the most difficult stages are passed
 |
| The legs, stretcher, aprons of the Baroque console table |
The carving stage
The carving of the piece rely on the ability and experience of the carver. Most of the carving artisan in Jepara are capable to carve piece according to the the photo. However, i prefer to drawing sketch on wood to ensure the carving similar to the customer expectation.
Sanding and steel brushing
This stage is the most time consuming process. Sanding an elaborate carving requires patience and careful. Brushing the wood using a steel brush to arouse the wood grains and make the pieces look rustc. We spent a whole week to complete this stage on 6 pieces Baroque console table.
 |
| The assembly stages |
 |
| Steel brushing |
 |
The baroque console table
|
Post a Comment