This was a commissioned piece for a couple who wanted a bench for their entry way. They were interested in a one of a kind piece and were taken with some of the Flame Birch pieces they found at my Web site. The final piece measures about 54" long by 14" wide and 17" high.
The top was resawn from a single thick board obtained from Paul Taran (Maple Leaf Hardwoods). Resawing an expensive board is a nerve wracking experience. I also confirmed my opinion that Flame Birch is one of the most difficult domestic woods to work with. It sure is pretty when you get done though.
I wanted the shape of the top to be a little different without looking weird, so I kept the curves gentle. The undersides of the edges are relieved with spokeshaved chamfers and I put a chamfer on the top of the long sides to make it a little easier to sit on.
The curves on the stretchers and legs are similar to the shapes I've used on end tables. The construction is all mortise and tenon with wedged through tenons on the lower stretchers. The finish is a tung oil wiping varnish.
