David Marks Bench Complete

[Jay Knoll]

Hi everyone

Well, it isn't exactly an Xmas present but I did finally finish the David Marks bench.

I didn't take any progress pictures since there are very detailed directions on the web here

http://diynet.com/diy/shows_wwk/epis..._26927,00.html

This was a fun project. I did a few things different from the directions

I used Sapele instead of walnut

http://www.hearnehardwoods.com/Inventory/sapele.html (didn't get it from Hearne but their website description is great.)

I ebonized the supports with India ink instead of carving them.

I didn't put copper on the bottom of the bases, and I had the sheet metal place cut the pieces to size (didn't seem that I needed to buy a bi metal blade for the band saw when they would cut for me.)

I finished the top with Formby's Tung Oil Finish followed by several coats of Renaissance Wax. Used the wax on the patina on the bases as well.

Perhaps the hardest thing after finding the chemicals for the patina was waiting 3 weeks to see what the final outcome would be. SWMBO is pleased!


Here are some pics, in the living room and in the bedroom where it will live.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Jay they turned out very well indeed. It is beautiful. Thanks for posting.

[Aaron Montgomery]

All I can say is SWEET!! Really nice job - looks great!

[Zahid Naqvi]

Wonderful job Jay, it turned out great.

[Mark Singer]

Jay,
This is a great design and a simple one that relies on relationships between seperate elements: the metal base and the wood top. As with many of Marks designs there is an Asian overtone....simple ...zen like...nothing can be taken away and nothing should be added...Great job!

[Dick Parr]

I liked that bench when David made it on TV and you did him proud. That is a wonderful looking bench Jay, you did a great job.

[Richard Wolf]

Great job!

Richard

[Jay Knoll]

I appreciate your kind thoughts! Here is a shot of the top, I ran out of pic space on the first post.

Jay

[John Timberlake]

Very nice piece. The base looks like marble in the pics. What chemicals and method of treatment did you use?

[Corey Hallagan]

That looks awesome Jay! Nice job!

Corey

[Jay Knoll]

John

Here are the directions on the base

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ww_cha...276380,00.html

I couldn't find the chemicals in my small town, but was able to find some patina solution at a craft store. There was only one small bottle so I added more hot water and lots of salt to stretch out the mixture.

Jay

[John Miliunas]

Well done, Jay! Simple designs are great, especially when so much attention is paid to the details! I like it. Nice job, my friend!

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Excellent execution Jay! I like the figure in the wood, the patina on the base, the way the two are mated....the top almost feels like it's floating! Nice!

[Jason Tuinstra]

Jay, the funish turned out really well. I remember seeing this episode. It looks spot on. And what a great place for it as well, though if that were at the end of our bed it would probably not be used as a bench. More like a second dresser Great project

[David Pettibone]

Outstanding job sir!!! By reproducing anything made by David Marks and doing such a nice job with it, you get nothing short of an A+. You should email him one of your pictures. I'd bet dimes to dollars he'd like it and probably respond. It looks fantastic!!
Keep it up!

David