Tracy Gumm, Marrickville, NSW

Huon Cabinet
Huon pine (solid and veneer), bronze, barramundi skin, glass, ebony
400 x 280deep x 1500high

Joinery
I have used a number of traditional techniques in this cabinet, including handcut twisted dovetails on the carcase. These dovetails originate in Japan, where they are called nejiri arigata, which translates to twisted dovetail. Japanese joinery evolved without the use of glue, nails or pegs, and so they developed a number of sophisticated joints which lock together mechanically. These are a great example as they lock from both sides creating a very strong and long lasting joint. Handcut through dovetails are used on the drawer fronts. Wedged through tenons for the drawer backs. The tenons were handcut. Traditional frame and panel joinery for the back frame.
Finger Joints on the frame.

Glues
West System Epoxy for gluing up the carcase. This gave enough time for a complex glue-up.
AV Syntec PVA for the back frame and stand.
AV Syntec Urea for veneering the doors.

Finish
The cabinet is finished with Livos Ardvos Oil. It has four coats of oil applied over two weeks. Each coat was applied by rag, left for 10 minutes, and then any excess was removed using a clean cloth.

Concept
I wanted to create a collectables cabinet that was at first sight a very simple, geometric and modern shape, but on closer inspection revealed unique handmade details. I wanted it to be Australian, and chose to use special and rare Australian materials like Huon and barramundi skin in its construction.
The hand cut twisted dovetails complement the cabinets’ simple geometric shape and give it a special handcrafted uniqueness. The darkening of the Huon endgrain over time will enhance these rare dovetails.
The back panel is made using traditional frame and panel techniques, but is offset giving the viewer another small but interesting detail.
The handles are unique, being cast from Tasmanian seedpods using the lost-wax method. In contrast to the carcase they have a very organic and natural shape. The doors were veneered with hand-cut veneer, from the same timber used in the carcase.
Once you open the doors there are two simple glass shelves, to be used for displaying a special collection, and two petite drawers. The drawers sit inside an open frame under the glass shelf so their joinery and the insides of the top drawer can be viewed.
The drawers are traditionally made with drawer slips, muntins, handcut dovetails and wedged tenons. They have been lined with deep red barramundi leather, which contrasts with the rich yellow colour of the Huon pine.

Photo: Andrew Cowen