Pembroke Table, 1790

I designed this Pembroke Table based on the references listed below. The basic dimensions, shape, joinery, and construction was based on the Margon reference, while the inlay and decoration followed other references. Occasionally we see the President in the White House meeting with dignitaries between two Pembrokes strikingly similar to this design. I made two of these, and my students made five others.

References:

• Masterpieces of American Furniture, page 216, Lester Margon

• Masterpieces of Furniture, Plate No. 57, Verna Cook Salomonsky

• Fine Woodworking, No. 180, Page 56

• Fine Woodworking, No 182, Page 96 Pembroke Table

The videos below show how I approach the complicated inlay on the legs of this table.

Cutting leaflets

The first step in inlaying the bell flowers is to cut out the individual outer leaflets. Several carving gauges are used to cut the various shapes.

Cutting outlines

Next, cut the outlines.

Routing

The third step is to route the leaflets out.