Darko Persic, Signing table (TABLES, CHAIRS, DESKS 2021 )

I have only made a handful of furniture pieces from my garage workshop, and this is the first that I have made for someone else. I see myself as a complete amateur who is learning and developing through direct contact with the wood. I find joy in using manual skills to produce a better product. When working with solid woods, each piece is different, even if it's from the same tree. It moves and breathes. My job is to bring out its beauty, texture and depth. I have a basic idea of the design of each piece before I begin but my natural instinct is to source the wood first so that I can use its features in the final design. I start by letting the wood rest, as there can be major changes in its dimensions. It can take a few days or up to a week depending on how much it moves. Working with different types of wood, each piece has its own challenges. This is where you need to be very flexible in technique. A family member asked me to make a signing table/small writing desk for their upcoming wedding. I have worked with American cherry in the past but in small quantities and was keen to use it to make the top and legs. Cape Lilac was used on the sides, front and back. This wood was something that I had never considered before but it has piqued my curiosity. It is difficult to work with but once it's finished the grain really stands out and the sheen you get from it makes me smile. Sweet-smelling rosewood was used for the trim, woody pear for the drawer sides and back, and to finish off I trimmed the legs with mahogany. I cut the traditional 3-way mitre joint using my favourite Japanese dozuki pull saw and finished off with chisels. The whole piece was then finished using natural oil.

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