Carpenter projects

[Abrams]

I have searched these boards, and not found any links to helpful projects for a carpenter.

This link brought me to a book I wish to purchase, "Civil War Woodworking" and already have on Pre-order at Amazon: http://villagecarpenter.blogspot.com...odworking.html

In particular, I would like to find the specs, and perhaps detailed assembly instructions for a traveling officer's desk, noting wood species and finishing details. But any project would be appreciated.

Also, a nice image or pattern for a carpenter working apron would also be nice.

Any tips or leads are appreciated. :)

[fahtz]

Re: Carpenter projects

Several people own one... (including me).... if you want detailed plans and such, send me a message.

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Carpenter projects

Although not specific to carpenters, per se, the following company has images of most, if not all, of their workers from mid-century, many of whom wear aprons. This should give you a cross section of some of the various aprons available mid-cent. and an idea of whom they would be considered apropriate for. I'll keep your thread in mind if I come across any noted specifically as carpenters. Good luck and hopefully a bit helpful...

http://images.library.pitt.edu/cgi-bin/i/image/image-idx?q1=lysh;sid=18e47ed57dbaa2210dc7a404c9e499e4;type=boolean;rgn1=lysh_all;view=thumbnail;g=imls;med=1;c=lysh

[Abrams]

Re: Carpenter projects

Thanks Mitch and Elaine for the leads. :)

[C.R. Henderson]

Re: Carpenter projects

Ron,
being someone who makes field desks and such, I don't know if I've ever followed a "plan" for one unless I'm reproducing an original. I don't think I've ever seen any two field desks that were exactly alike, either- whether be it in pictures or in a museum. They were pretty user specific and sometimes being made out of necessity rather than careful planning. Note that sometimes one could find them made of re purposed ammunition or foodstuff crates.

[Abrams]

Re: Carpenter projects

I have only seen an original one once, and its been some time ago. I saw a nice one at Marmaduke's Raid, but did not realize then I would want to make one.

Thanks to Mitch, I am going to be able to look, touch, measure, examine closely and photograph an original. I will likely copy that one, at least on its construction details.

Thanks for your input

[ajhamler]

Re: Carpenter projects

Ron...

I don't check the civilian forum often enough, or I would have replied to your thread earlier. First, thanks for pre-ordering my book "Civil War Woodworking" from Amazon! I appreciate it!

Here are two photos of the field desk project from the book:





As Chris pointed out, field desks were often made from other items and that's the case with this desk. I also feature a hardtack crate project in the book, and I simply used the crate carcase as my starting point for this desk. I used the Kautz specs for the hardtack crate, so the dimensions of most of the components reflect that -- the sides are 1", the rest are 5/8" or planed down to 1/2". The panel in the fold-down door/writing surface was planed down to 1/4".

Before I used it to make this field desk, here's what the hardtack crate looked like:



Hope all this helps. Again, thanks for ordering my book.

A.J. Hamler

[Hardtack Baker]

Re: Carpenter projects

I appreciate the very nice pictures. When are the books to be ready, do you estimate? My order is in line, also. Thank you!

Respectfully,
Mrs. McNamara
"Hardtack Baker"

[UNRECONSTRUCTED]

Re: Carpenter projects

I just placed an order for that book as well.

[ajhamler]

Re: Carpenter projects

Mrs. McNamara...

I understand the book goes to the printers next week. If things go the way they've gone with some of my other books, that would mean that they should start distributing them to retailers about mid-October.

Oh... and thanks for pre-ordering the book on Amazon. I'm very excited about it, and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

A.J. Hamler

[English Doc]

Re: Carpenter projects

I'm only disappointed in the amount of 'revised' dates I keep getting from Amazon!
:baring_te

[ajhamler]

Re: Carpenter projects

Ken --

That makes two of us! However, I'm told that it has definitely gone to print, so it should be shipping sometime this month if understand it all correctly.

If I hear anything new from my publisher, I'll post it here.

A.J. Hamler

[ajhamler]

Re: Carpenter projects

I promised in the previous post to update the progress of my book's availability.

Well, it's back from the printer. I received a carton with my author's copies just after Christmas, and the publisher has now sent the books out to the various distributors who supply bookstores, Amazon, etc. with their copies. It should be available literally just about any day now.

I'm very pleased with how the final version turned out. I know I'm the "proud Papa" and all, but I think it looks pretty good. (With the exception of one incorrect photo that got in instead of the right one. Aaack! Oh well... I'm told we can replace it when they do the first reprint run.)

I've signed a contract for a second book on the subject, and am now hard at work on the projects for the new one.

A.J.

[IMG][/IMG]

[mehrsam]

Re: Carpenter projects

Amazon indicates shipping on February 5, 2010.

Here's hoping...I'm looking forward to receiving this!

[Abrams]

Re: Carpenter projects

I am also looking forward to getting this book. :)

Thanks for your efforts!