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| Samuel S. Case Cabinetmakers 104 First Street, Berryville, Virginia 22611 www.sscase.com 1-800-985-2725 sales@samuelscase.com Copyright 2005-2008 Samuel S. Case Cabinetmakers, Inc. |
We use the same proven construction methods that
18th century cabinetmakers used; mortise and tenon,
dovetails, and nails covered by wooden pegs. Shown
here, the mortise and tenon joint is created by
chiseling a rectangular hole in one piece of wood. A
tenon is then sawn on the second piece of wood and
inserted in the mortise. The resulting joint is stronger
than any other method of joining two pieces of wood
together. This joint is considered to be too time
consuming to be used in mass produced furniture. In
the typical mass produced table no wood joinery is
used, the leg and apron are simply butted together
and a flimsy metal bracket holds the table together.
Over time brackets bend and the table becomes
rickety. We have developed a special mortise and
tenon joint that still allows the legs to be removed for
shipping yet has all the strength of an 18th century
18th century cabinetmakers used; mortise and tenon,
dovetails, and nails covered by wooden pegs. Shown
here, the mortise and tenon joint is created by
chiseling a rectangular hole in one piece of wood. A
tenon is then sawn on the second piece of wood and
inserted in the mortise. The resulting joint is stronger
than any other method of joining two pieces of wood
together. This joint is considered to be too time
consuming to be used in mass produced furniture. In
the typical mass produced table no wood joinery is
used, the leg and apron are simply butted together
and a flimsy metal bracket holds the table together.
Over time brackets bend and the table becomes
rickety. We have developed a special mortise and
tenon joint that still allows the legs to be removed for
shipping yet has all the strength of an 18th century
Our construction methods are basically the same as those used in the 18th century. The old
methods are better than more recent techniques. This is not true, however, with furniture
finishing. We use water based aniline dye stains and catalyzed lacquers to create our
finishes. These environmentally friendly finishes represent the latest technology. They resist
water very well, and can produce colors that before only time could create. Their deep rich
colors accentuate the wood's natural figuring and its variation from light to dark. Our
lacquers produce a dull effect similar in appearance to an antique finish that was once glossy
and has mellowed to a soft luster over time. Prior to finishing we sand the wood, but only until
it is smooth to the touch. Sanding beyond that point burnishes the wood so that it loses its
natural appearance. That type of excessive sanding became popular with furniture factories
after World War II. It was their way of showing the public that they had the latest machinery to
produce the "perfect product." We prefer to allow the wood to retain its character, leaving
minor variations such as the tiny sap pockets that are characteristic of Cherry and
occasional tool marks. These "imperfections" give our furniture an obviously handmade
appearance.
methods are better than more recent techniques. This is not true, however, with furniture
finishing. We use water based aniline dye stains and catalyzed lacquers to create our
finishes. These environmentally friendly finishes represent the latest technology. They resist
water very well, and can produce colors that before only time could create. Their deep rich
colors accentuate the wood's natural figuring and its variation from light to dark. Our
lacquers produce a dull effect similar in appearance to an antique finish that was once glossy
and has mellowed to a soft luster over time. Prior to finishing we sand the wood, but only until
it is smooth to the touch. Sanding beyond that point burnishes the wood so that it loses its
natural appearance. That type of excessive sanding became popular with furniture factories
after World War II. It was their way of showing the public that they had the latest machinery to
produce the "perfect product." We prefer to allow the wood to retain its character, leaving
minor variations such as the tiny sap pockets that are characteristic of Cherry and
occasional tool marks. These "imperfections" give our furniture an obviously handmade
appearance.
