Michael G. Lynn
Stratton WA

Spice Cabinet

‘My cabinet is a copy of an American piece that I had long admired, so I decided to make one. The original was in cherry but mine is Western Australian-ised. The main carcase and doors are in jarrah and I was lucky some time ago to obtain a supply of old growth timber which had been in dry storage for about 70 years.

‘The internal drawer fronts are in sheoak obtained from a tree that was felled in a friend’s garden. The drawer sides and backs are ramin which was once shelving in the local library. Drawer bottoms are from 3mm cedar faced ply. Drawer pulls are sandalwood, turned on my old Tough lathe.

‘This combination of timbers gave me the effect I wanted, I love sheoak but thought it too overpowering for the main carcase. I like the surprise it gives when the doors are opened. The main carcase is all dovetailed construction, as are the drawers which, owing to their thin sides, are fitted with slips to increase the bearing surface.’