Course Description:
The American whatnot (or étagère) was fashionable during the first half of the 19th Century and was used to hold bric-a-brac and china. It is an ideal piece of furniture for displaying collections. The project consists of contoured shelves, turned columns, finials, and a fret-sawed pediment. The students will learn how to turn identical columns and finials and how to finish the turned pieces on the lathe. They will also learn how to use a jeweler’s saw to cut the contour of the shelves and the fretwork of the pediment. This whatnot project is very versatile. It can be made in different heights and widths to suit the space available. The number of the shelves can range from two to five. The beginners will be able to learn basic spindle-turning techniques and curve-cutting with a jeweler’s saw. The more advanced students will learn to create more complicated pieces.
Time: 24 hours. Completion is likely.
Power Tools: table saw, lathe, drill press
Skill Level: Beginner and intermediate
Materials Fee: $55 to be collected at school. A Robert Sorby micro turning tool set will be available for
$135–$150 upon request.
