12 Hour Classes
INSTRUCTOR:
Bob Hurd, Artisan
COURSE:
Furniture Construction
PROJECT:
Barley Twist Hall Table
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The barley twist imitates a cord in the style of Louis XIII and the barley sugar confection that has been twisted to give it its shape. This design first appeared in furniture and was made popular by 17th Century cabinet makers. The fluid curves of the twist can be produced in different thickness, groove depth, and groove spacing to create the desired effect for the piece of furniture being made. The barley twist hall table for this project is about 3 1/8" W x 1 5/16" D x 2 7/16" H. It has a top, shelf, arced upper aprons on the front and sides, straight lower aprons, and four barley twist legs. The front and back legs are joined to the front and back aprons respectively with mortise and tenon joints. The side apron pieces are mitered and glued in place between the side legs. The top of the table and the lower shelf are trapezoidal shaped and are cut on the table saw. Jigs, templates, and patterns will be used during the construction sequence.
The legs are turned to shape on a duplicator lathe using a template. The lathe is used as a holding jig (with power off) while the barley twist is created using hand tools. The twist pattern is laid out on the leg with a knife; mini files and sandpaper are used to create the barley twist. Two methods for laying out the twist will be demonstrated.
The finish on the prototype, which is stain and lacquer, will be demonstrated and materials to duplicate the finish will be provided; but students are invited to bring other materials to achieve the finish they would like to have.
TIME:
12 hours. Completion is likely.
POWER TOOLS:
table saw, lathe, drill press
SKILL LEVEL:
Beginner and intermediate.
MATERIALS FEE:
$20
(this class is full)