Latest/Current/Whatever
Tony - Memphis
This is a project I am working on. I was inspired by one I saw in an antique store. It was a new concept to me. It is called a Tantalus. Named after a Greek - origin for "tantalizing." Etc. There was a patent issued for this idea in the 1880's I think. It appealed to me on several levels. It is unique (to me anyway) and I wanted to try my hand at making brass hardware using a CNC router.
So, here it is as it sits now. The wood is mahogany. The brass is 360 I think - good for milling. The design is all mine - heavily inspired by images out there on the Google. The lock came from Rockler (neat little lock). The decanters came from Amazon. I turned some little feet for it - one of them is by the glasses there.
I'm testing dye stain colors right now. I have a dozen jars of dye stain I've used over the years (water based Lockwood - Lee Valley). I try different combinations, strengths, finishes, etc. I'm concerned about all the end grain turning black! (been there, done that).
The hardware was quite challenging and quite a learning process. Still learning! Long story, but I ended up using a V bit to cut the pieces. I wanted that chamfered edge. I marked the holes and then drilled them by hand. Polishing and bending was challenging as well! The brads are from Lee Valley. I will do a final polish and then lacquer before final assembly. I usually don't like shiny brass, but for some reason, I decided to go shiny here? I made a polishing arbor that I use on my lathe - 5/8 threaded rod and wheels from Lowes. Works well. I had polishing stick wax EVERYWHERE - even in my hair!
The drawer is held in place using some hidden spring loaded pins. They will keep the drawer from tipping when extended. There is a small hole on the drawer through which a paperclip or similar can be inserted to push the pin back enough to remove the drawer. Just out of frame is a poplar prototype I made to work out all the kinks/scale/proportions/etc. Had to make sure the decanter could be removed when the drawer was pulled out.
Fun project. At my rate, it'll be done next Summer! Ha!
