Cabinet making, Wood carving & Gilding

Just finished a commission for a private client who wanted a solid Mahogany folding table top for his boat.

Solid Mahogany Folding Table Top with cross banded ends and solid brass hinges

The timber I used was African Mahogany from sustainable forests. For stability the centre section of the top was made up from two pieces of timber using the biscuit joint method and all ends of the table top leaves were cross banded again for stability but also hides the end grain so it is aesthetically better. I  chose to use a PU adhesive in the joinery construction as it is impervious to salt water, chemicals and extreme temperature ranges.

Oil gilding using 23½ct gold leaf to incised carved lettering

I then hand carved the name of the boat with incised lettering to the centre of the table top. After I had completed the carving I proceeded to oil gild the incised work with 23½ ct gold leaf. This has a stunning effect with the lustrous hue of the Mahogany and is complimentary to the solid brass hinges. The surface finish that I used is a tabletop hard wax oil and I applied a minimum of five coats all over.

My clients were over the moon with the finished product which makes me extremely happy as I take great pride in my work.