October 2018 - Pirollo DesignPirollo Design

In this 16 part video class, the design and build of the striking Krenov-inspired display cabinet above is discussed. The contemporary styled display cabinet features veneered sides and doors. The veneers selected are highly figured although they can be substituted with alternative veneers. The frame and panel back adheres to the Krenov principle of properly finishing the back of the cabinet. James Krenov is widely known for his classic cabinets on stand as well as the incredible attention to detail he brought to furniture making. He also brought a unique philosophy and vision to furniture making of which I heed and practice. A large part of this veneered display cabinet has been created using an assortment of hand tools although some machinery is used in the initial wood preparation stage. Follow me as I describe the steps involved in creating a masterpiece veneered cabinet on stand.

The following topics are covered in detail in this 16 part design and build class:

Inspiration and design of the display cabinet
Overview discussing components of the cabinet
Wood selection and resawing veneers used in cabinet
Advantages of using veneers over solid wood
Detailed info on creating + using resawn veneers
Process of applying veneers to the sides and doors
Using bake-ins to create panels with hardwood edges
Hardwood edging and the veneer press
Veneer press and joinery used in cabinet
Card scrapers and shop-made drilling guide
Dowel drilling guide in-depth
The case construction process
Frame and panel construction of back panel
Back panel detail and installation
Final case assembly of display cabinet
Installation of knife hinges for doors
Complete, detailed plans included

Each video segment addresses one component of the cabinet build. The design process and methodology behind the build are discussed. This is not simply a class on how to build a cabinet on stand. The class will inform you of the design process that James Krenov used in his work. As an ardent follower of James Krenov, the techniques used in this cabinet build closely follow those of James Krenov. Discussions and demonstrations describe how the design of this display cabinet originated and the design considerations in its build. Information on wood selection and preparation as well as joinery used are covered in detail. Techniques acquired over several years of creating this style of cabinet are shared in this class. The process of creating + applying veneers is covered as well as discussion on installation of knife hinges.

Includes 16 separate video modules. Each video module addresses a component of the cabinet build. Detailed video sequences and methodology on how to build this display cabinet are included when you purchase the cabinet build class.

– Separate Introduction module
– 16 video modules from design, veneering, edging, joinery, back panel
– Video modules can be followed in any order and stopped or repeated at any time
– All 16 video modules (2.7 hours) included in the single $50 price
– Complete set of plans included

WOODWORKING: FROM DESIGN TO MAKING (eBook, 235 pgs.) included with class

Cabinet Build Class $50

Includes corresponding display cabinet plan. Over 35 detailed computer designed illustrations (CAD) on building display cabinet included with Cabinet Build Class. Includes detailed photos and information.

Norman maintains a blog of ongoing projects in his studio at: Pirollo Design Blog as well as having written and published four books in the past year. Some of the books and magazines where authors furniture, work methods and philosophy have been featured:

Craftisian Interview (Norman Pirollo)
HackSpace Magazine – Make With Wood April 2020
Woodworking: From Design To Making (New Art Press)
The Wood Artist: Creating Art Through Wood (New Art Press)
From Hi-Tech to Lo-Tech: A Woodworker’s Journey (NAP)
Start Your Own Woodworking Business (New Art Press)
Rooted: Contemporary Studio Furniture (Schiffer)
IDS15 (Studio North)
Canadian Woodworking magazine Jan. 2015
Our Homes magazine Fall 2014
IDS14 (Studio North)
NICHE Magazine Winter 2013
Fine Woodworking Magazine 4 Bench Jigs for Handplanes
Fine Woodworking Magazine Essential Shopmade Jigs 2009
Woodwork magazine
Wood Art Today 2 (Schiffer Books)
500 Cabinets ( Lark Books)
Studio Furniture: Today’s Leading Woodworkers (Schiffer)
Canadian Interiors Design Source Guide
Ottawa Life magazine (Profile,work) 2012
Panoram Italia magazine
Our Homes magazine
Craft Journal

The idea was hatched a year or so ago. A new magazine catering to the discerning, fine woodworking enthusiast. It was an idea that slowly developed and at one point became a reality. So a small team and I have been working at this and are happy to announce that the latest issue of WOODSKILLS woodworking and furniture making magazine is now available. Some of the features in this Furniture Maker Edition include furniture maker articles, profiles of accomplished furniture makers, best studio practices, contemporary furniture design, gallery, vacuum veneering, Moxon vise build, sharpening + woodworking strategies, wood selection strategies and social media for furniture makers. The terms studio and workshop are used interchangeably throughout the magazine. WOODSKILLS is a semi-annual publication, published twice yearly in late spring and fall.

As a follower and practitioner of James Krenov style of work and methodology, both hand tool and some machine techniques are included. Although the vast majority of articles refer to hand tools, machinery is not excluded. I find this to be a more realistic approach in this day and age. Machines can do the grunt work whereas hand tools are used to create joinery, shape and finesse furniture components, smoothing surfaces, etc. Advertising is at an absolute minimum and consists of curated advertising, a term gleaned from the art world. Advertising must reflect practices and products that our readers and the team at WOODSKILLS could use or include in their own workshops and studios. Available through woodskills.com (digital) or Amazon (print version) or Blurb (premium print version).

Furniture Designer + Maker Profiles
Darrell Peart, Craig Thibodeau, Jan Lennon, Brian Greene
Workshop Setups & Best Practices
Furniture Maker Articles
Vacuum Veneering
Furniture Design Gallery
Contemporary Furniture Design
Moxon Vise Build
Sharpening + Woodworking Strategies
Social Media for Furniture Makers

WOODSKILLS Issue 02 (digital)
WOODSKILLS Issue 02 (standard print)
WOODSKILLS Issue 02 (premium print)

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