I'm on the home stretch now, all thats left is one of the most important parts, final shaping and sanding. Although I seem to talk about every step along the way as being the most important step, the sanding process I do is truly a refined process that must be done is just the right way. Out of everything I do with my furniture, I feel that the hardest part for someone to learn is the final sand on this type of furniture. There are just so many exposed surfaces.... hmmm all of them! When people sit on my chairs their hands and eyes travel around the piece, one reason everything has to be just right, the second reason? I would't have it any other way. All lines must be fair and true, joints must be tight fitting, only then can I get to the final sanding process. I travel through sanding grits from 120grit all the way to 1000grit, which is up around where a car finish is sanded. I then burnish the entire surface with a sheep wool pad, giving my chair a personality all its own. The glow that i'm able to achieve could light up a dark room, it's always a pleasant surprise as I move my way through this process. With each step the piece reveals it's true beauty all the way till the end when I apply my hand rubbed oil/resin finish.
Armless Bar Stools Build Process - Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3 - Day 4 - Day 5 - Day 6 - Day 7 - Day 8
These 2 pictures show the very last shaping area in the bar stools, also one of the most difficult parts to shape and sand smooth.
The cherry I used for this project was cut locally in the Niagra region by local mennonite loggers then dried and has been in my storage for almost 3 years! It's a good feeling to know you have such beautiful lumber waiting to be turned into a special piece or 2. It's an even better feeling when I've fully built the piece and well on my through the sanding process.
