Currently I make my livelihood by making magic props for magicians. My husband and I have a little business – Nielsen Magic – where we have spent decades making magic tricks for this market. The line is small, exclusive, and uses all sorts of materials. The magic world has been good to us.
My passion, however, remains that of working with wood. Through word of mouth I get non-magic clients or muggles from time to time. It I can fit the project in our workflow, it is always a delight to work on it and take a break from the magic world.
A few weeks ago, a gentleman who just moved to town called me, and said: “Andrew recommended you. Can you turn a few Mid-Century style walnut legs for me?” Since I have a lathe, and can turn, I said: “I will be happy to do so.” I quoted him my fee plus materials, and took the job.
I did have to pick up a specific wood he requested, though. It was walnut that would match the current decor, and a table that my friend Andrew was making for him.
The mid-century style came in vogue in the mid-1940s, just after World War II. The style is simple, functional, and it was easily mass produced. Furniture in this style was quite affordable for the families that were getting started after the end of the war. Tapered legs were a signature feature in many pieces.
My job for this project was to turn five legs for a sofa. Four legs would be for the corners, the fifth leg would be a center support for such a long span. The length: 6” each, the thickness on the top was 2” that would taper to a 1” tip.
It was a simple job. In which prepping the material was the most complicated process. The first leg always takes the longest time, as one has to figure out the various steps and procedures. The subsequent legs took me 20 minutes each to turn and finish – From mounting, cutting, sanding and applying a shellac / Danish Oil finish.
I was pleased and so was the client. What a blessing it is to have a skill and to put that super power to work for good and make people happy.
Hope that you have a good week. With all the viral brouhaha out there, lets take this time to stay calm and be with our loved ones.
Here is a four minute video of the project I described:
(March 15, 2020)
Lupe… your woodworking skills always amaze me! And, I can vouch for those skills, as I look at the beautiful wood coffee table you helped me with last summer. Thanks for sharing and keep on being you! 🙂