STRESS RELIEF

This woodworker finds therapeutic value in staying busy!

SHOP OWNER: Mike Hughes

LOCATION: Bovey, MN

Although this chest started out as a toy box, one thing lead to another and as you can see, the plan changed. The woods used are quartersawn black ash for the panels, feet, and base, and quartersawn red oak for the horizontal base and top. The breadboard edges are red elm. The corners and top rail are tiger maple, and the pieces between the raised panels are padauk.

Made from red elm, this small table features a top and drawer fronts from tiger maple. The handles are black walnut and quartersawn red oak. I lined the drawers with aromatic red cedar. The larger table was from quartersawn black ash.

The TV stand is from tiger maple. Note the stringer between the shelf and legs is actually the cutouts from the legs.

You can also see the floor, which I made from quartersawn black ash and cherry. I used a basket weave design that required cutting 1832 pieces of ash and 752 pieces of cherry. It took me five days to cut them one at a time on my chop saw. The floor took one day to lay, another for sanding, and the last day I finished it using Velvit Oil.

These projects provided both stress relief and a sense of accomplishment. Next year, 2004, is time for my lovely bride, or at least I think so!