G arden Gate 209 as a study in feathered bent-laminations and grounding grids.
The bent-laminations are punctuated with ribbons of wenge and darker cedar–hence not a good candidate for a painted finish.
Charles and Ben’s coffee breaks are experienced from a medley of custom mugs.
In-Progress
CUSTOM WOOD GARDEN GATE 209–PROGRESS
The slats creating the laminations for gate design 209 are ripped to dimension and passed through the drum sander before receiving the glue below as they are set onto the clamping form.
209–PROGRESS
The basic outline for the bent-lamination gate design 209 are initially drawn out on cardboard. Below we see the primary truss and the pencil lines of a proposed feathering.Basically an eyeball process.
209–PROGRESS
The second truss for the custom wood gate 209.
Following the same system. The top clamping cleats are used to create an even pressure conformed to the profile of the form. Within each lamination is a 1/4″ thick darker ribbon of cedar. This is not accomplished with an eye on the clock. Time has nothing to do with it: Throw distractions out the window and allow the process to consume you.
209–PROGRESS
Three additional layers are added to the original profile, with each layer feathering off to the shape of the clamping forms shown below. Each with its own ribbon of darker cedar.
209–PROGRESS
The feathering truss being planed with a radius plane. Radius planes have a pliant sole that adjusts to a given radius.
209–PROGRESS
Stanley Victor #20 Cast Iron Circular Compass Plane. Circa 1879 (OR Radius plane, for short).
A tool we use on a daily basis.
209–PROGRESS
There comes a point when intuition should be trusted
209–PROGRESS
A fourth, smaller radius being clamped up on a form that will get stashed in the loft, waiting along with the other forms for the garden gate 209 that will make the next one a little simpler.
209–PROGRESS
Meanwhile, the shop comes to a grinding halt to accommodate photographers from Fine Homebuilding’s Taunton Press.
209–PROGRESS
By Ben and Charles Prowell
Featuring gate #209, among others.
Fine Home building April 2016
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The Designs of Prowell Woodworks are protected by Patents and Patents Pending.
