Americana---the five board bench

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Knifemaker
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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A friend had a kid, so I got out in the shop and made him a 5 board bench for the little squat. Its a really fun easy project, and has been around our nation for a long time.
 
Really, really, nice Andy!!!! I love benches like that. When I was a little kid and on up until I was a big kid we ate on a bench at my paternal grandparents great big old round table. The bench set against one long wall and was long enough so several of us kids could all set there although at times the space got crowded.
Great memories about that old bench. A damned shame it had to burn in a fire my uncle set.:(
 
I've made a couple of larger ones too Yvsa. They really weren't as pretty or fun until I added a 5 degree angle on the legs. It just really sets it off. That one is done out of pine. I have one I did for my wife out of Jatoba (Sarge's Brazilian Cherry) Its damn beautiful. It was my first with the 5 degree legs. Much more stable too. They are a fun weekend project. The painted ones take a day.

I need to make myself another sled for cutting vertically though. I was very cautious during the vertical cuts, but I'd rather just make a damn sled. It improves accuracy, and safety. I love sleds. I'll have to take some pics of my sleds one day. Another fun project.
 
Knucklehead, its a kids stool for standing on to brush their teeth, etc...

Damn, three boys and....... LOL You made me laugh
 
You ever try milk paint on that kind of piece? Best thing about milk paint is that wear makes it look better, instead of scratching up a nice finish. Two coats, then some boiled linseed oil overtop, to pull it together. Looks better and better as it scuffs and gets beaten up.

t.
 
Yea, before the advent of Krylon brand spray paints I used to brush projects. And, you're right, milk paint is perty on these benches, and traditional too. Krylon is as tough as the toughest paint, goes on in a fraction of the time, dries to recoat in 12 minutes, and even smells kinda nice. I had to use it at work on our antennas once, since then, I just don't mess around with anything else. I put two coats of primer and just sprayed two cans of the paint on the thing, all in a couple of hours. Sheyatt. I just don't do milk paint anymore.
 
Nice Andy. Man, does that ever bring back memories. Mr. Madison and 7th grade shop class. Took us weeks to make a stool just like that. First we had to learn simple drafting, then how to use hand and power tools, finally we got to go to work. Near the end of the project, I was staining mine with "Special Walnut" stain. I was putting the lid back on and smacked the lid with a mallet......and the ring around the top was full of stain.....and Mr. Madison was walking by.....in a white shirt. It wasn't white for long. Polka dot. He was pretty good about it though.

He taught me a lot.

Thanks for the memories bud.

Steve
 
Great looking bench Andy. Have you ever tried one of the four board benches that takes apart for travel? They look like they'd be good for sitting around the campfire where there ain't a rock or a log handy.

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Sarge
 
LOL. Thats funny I still do that to my own coon ass all the dang time. LOL.
 
Sarge, I haven't done a 4 boarder, but I like pinned tennons. Them are just dang neat. Jesus probably made and sat on some of those. Old technology is awesome.
 
That's great Andy! I betcha that will become the kids favorite seat, then his favorite step stool:thumbup: :)
 
Andy, Had no idea you were shop oriented. I want to make Mission style sofa. I have the wood, and the tools, (Home Depot had a sale when they changed models) just have no idea where to start. Maybe you could give me some pointers when you visit.
 
I know Ikea- but it's different when Andy makes something. Right, right!



munk
 
Does that girl work at Ikea??? I knew I wanted to go back there more often. LOL. I really do like the place, but you gotta have a head of steam to get through it.

Bill, I have a mission furniture book thats pretty good. Remind me when I come down and I'll bring it to you. If you wanna get into mission furniture you'd better get yourself on ebay, buy some good cast steel chisels, and learn to use and sharpen them. Where did you get the white oak? Is it quartersawn?

Thanks Munk. I guess I need to take some other pics of my furniture. Just been lazy/having camera troubles.
 
ferguson said:
Nice Andy. Man, does that ever bring back memories. Mr. Madison and 7th grade shop class. Took us weeks to make a stool just like that. First we had to learn simple drafting, then how to use hand and power tools, finally we got to go to work. Near the end of the project, I was staining mine with "Special Walnut" stain. I was putting the lid back on and smacked the lid with a mallet......and the ring around the top was full of stain.....and Mr. Madison was walking by.....in a white shirt. It wasn't white for long. Polka dot. He was pretty good about it though.

He taught me a lot.

Thanks for the memories bud.

Steve
Click to expand...

Steve, I still have a small bookcase and letter holder I made in 7th grade. Got a kick out of your stain story. My oops? Leaving the chuck key in the drill press and turning it on. The key flew about 20 feet across the room and buried itself into the wall.

The other was putting my work on the upside of the big disk sander. Lucky the ceilings in the shop were high. Things I worked on tended to get tested pretty well during assembly! (-:

All the stuff I made back then was in black walnut with a plain deft finish. Still is holding up 37 years later.

Andy, that is nice work. Painting things sure saves lots of time over staining, and is more durable and washable especially for kids. That should last a good long time.

Norm
 
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