Review of Va spring event

[Joe Lambert]

The meeting which was held in Springfield Va was a great day to learn. Jeff Headley and Steve Hamilton presented 18th century bed construction. A discussion showing various regional characteristics of Virginia beds laid the foundation for understanding how beds were made. Steve presented a jig he used when measuring where to place the bed bolt,and a jig he used to measure the proper placement of the bed bolt. Jeff showed a simply made carving jig to hold carved/turned posts or legs to carve or reed. Another bed carving jig was presented by John Davis. After lunch Jeff came back to show how to properly dress 18th century beds and different designs in some of Virginia's historic sites. The evening was terminated with a great discussion on finishes. How to build color and the difference in stains, gel fillers, water stains, and building the final finish by Charles Neil. Few can argue that there are many products out there and Governmental standards are forcing finish makers to produce better products but a greater need to understand them. Woodcraft of Springfield was very gracious in providing a great place to learn.

[Mark Maleski]

I have a couple pictures taken when Jeff and Steve were assembling the bed they brought along.  Before we reached this stage we had a lively discussion of period bed construction and design. 

[Mark Maleski]

And here's a picture of the bed being assembled, and the rest of us crowding around and checking out the details. 

[Mark Maleski]

And finally, here's one I thought was great.  We had a discussion on whether the rails should be considered primary surfaces.  Traditionally they were not as they were covered by the bedskirt.  But here's the answer for this example, which Jeff explained was a commissioned piece.

[Joe Lambert]

You know there is an old addage that "a picture is worth a thousand words " When you go to the individual chapter meetings one thing may make the day worth while. This was our second meeting and in both cases that has been true. Something as simple as a small jig can be worth the entire day. That day there were several great examples, carving jigs, and bed bolt measuring jig were just several. I am adding two pictures that shows how to measure and place the bolt in the exact place needed to secure the bed. One picture I did not get was the idea of securing a nail to that same size bolt so you have something to determine the fit of the bolt into the mortise properly. Don't use the one you plan to install in the mortise! It may get stuck and then you will have to cut a larger mortise.