Preparing Waney Edges...Nakashima Style

[custard]

I've seen some waney edge furniture (like George Nakashima's work) in galleries in this country and in the USA.

The really good pieces seem to have waney edges that are almost like driftwood; smooth but with some texture, firm, and with a hint of a sheen. Most importantly the waney edge blends seamlessly into the wood on the flat, surfaced face.

The not so good pieces look like craft fair nightmares; blotchy, glossy, unnaturally stained, and with big variability along the waney edge, in some sections it's cut back almost into the heartwood, in other sections there's bits of cambium layer and even bark.

With the good furniture you want to touch the waney edge, with the other stuff you want to pick at the waney edge to try and tidy it up!

Anyone any idea how the waney edges are prepared and finished on the more successful pieces?

 

[andersonec]

I think it would depend on the timber, some bark comes off and leaves quite a smooth finish which , I imagine, would finish quite well with a soft brass brush, some 240 grit round your finger and a lot of patience, or even a buffing wheel on a power drill.

Andy

 

[marcros]

Fine woodworking did an article on the workshop. Not sure if it mentioned by technique. I will have aloof at work on Monday- archive DVD is in my computer at work.

 

[custard]

Thanks for the answers. Marcros, I've got the same Fine Woodworking DVD so I'll have a look!

Building on Andy's point, anyone any thoughts on what timbers lend themselves to this technique?

 

[No skills]

One of the videos of Nakashimas workshop shows somebody using a drill powered wire wheel on a wane edge.

I'm sure you have seen this, but its one of my favourite woodworking related videos so here it is any how..


http://vimeo.com/19658423

 

[inkyblue]

Nice video, but it all seems very 'production line' in its approach. I love David Groth's approach to sculptural furniture to change the subject slightly. Working alone, this video shows his style quite well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZIej7DtCOA

 

[custard]

Two great videos, thanks for the links!

 

[Racers]

My god, that shed full of wood, wow.

Pete

 

[No skills]

Wow indeed.

 

[Dusty]

Evening all , I have utilised the waney edge on some pieces I make , I break away the loose then use a belt sander to work it back , working with the front drive drum as you can manipulate it to suit the curve /shape . I hit the worst back with 60 grit and then finish with a 180 and hand sand using abranet and get a very good finish .

Kind regards Sam

 

[Unib]

I do like that Nakashimas video - that wood shed; I think I'd explode if I went in there! The output does seem formulaic now though. The David Groth table does nothing for me at all and I'm a little concerned about his workwear with that massive chainsaw!

I'm with Dusty on the technique for shaping waney edges - I use the same technique. I don't want to add to the shape just smooth off what's there and the belt sander technique works well