some brass feet ... contractor services

being that we have accumulated many skills over the years, and like to keep busy, 

we often find ourselves doing work for other makers ..

builders, upholsterers, antique dealers, contractors ... we're open to your ideas

this client is a millwork, cabinet, and furniture shop in massachusetts,

and both our shop and theirs do work for the same boston and cape cod designers.

this project involved fabricating four 1" thick solid brass feet to cap 

the ends of the x shaped legs on a desk they were building

the legs were (conveniently) on a 45 degree angle so we
made some fir mockups, cut the brass, drilled and flushed it up,
polished it a bit and box em up

we got these photos of the finished piece last week ..

all in, all good ...

The Parrot Chairs ... Sketching in Metal

Inspiration Photo

Via a referral from a friend in Massachusetts, we were contacted by a client who had an interest in having Sam fabricate some 'parrot chairs'. The client had saved a picture from a magazine, but had no other details like measurements, what the front legs looked like, a close up of the parrott detail, etc. We agreed to make a mockup for a small fee and the results and their proposed changes are shown below. It took us a while to get to it as there were some 'thought problems' to work through such as how to bend the back legs/hoop piece with even a small amount of repeatable control. I'm sure these things are pressed out cold by the thousands in factories around the world, but unfortunately, we're not one of them. We ended up making a pretty elaborate jig that, with a few modifications, will work fine. The jig was essentially based on the one we use to steam bend backs for Windsor chairs, something we've been doing since the late 70's. Creating a new chair design is tough in any medium, as what you are really creating is a functional sculpture, something viewed from all four sides with small complications like comfort, durability, and repeatable production thrown in. Tough in wood, not much easier in metal ... We'll see if we get to build them .... It will be a challenge for sure if we do ....

The 'sketch'

Proposed changes to the 'sketch' ... click to enlarge

Back view

Test drive ...The seat needs to be wider in the front and the back needs to be tipped back a little more .... other than that, not bad for comfort ...

Deer Camp Windchimes

With rifle season fast upon us, be prepared by ordering one of Sam's special new 'Deer Camp Wind Chimes' for the back or front porch. Quietly soothing, back to nature sounds of clinking 30/30 shells .... Click the photo for a close up view....

You just can't beat the brassy sounds ..... and it'll go great with your new Vermont belt buckle. Call Sam today to order either at 802-325-2073 or 802-867-5541 or email him at sam@dorsetcustomfurniture.com ........ Immediate supply is (somewhat) limited ...

Forged Shaker Pegs

We had a request from one of our good clients this week for some forged Shaker pegs for a mudroom/entryway ... Sam whipped up a dozen and they came out real fine ...... Shown above in

blackened and natural steel ... Nicely varied and handmade looking .... Click photos to enlarge ..

Custom Snowboard Event Trophies

Sam the Metalman from Dorset Custom Furniture made these four 'trophies' for the Annual Vew Do Rail Jam that took place at the Manchester, Vermont Applejack Field on December 29th. The event is open to snowboarders and skiers of all ages and all proceeds benefit the Manchester Rec Skateboard Park. They're quick welded sculptures that truly capture the spirit of the event.