Sheraton Work Table

I began this project by using a photo on page 297 in the reference below. This also provided the overall dimensions of the piece, so I could use SketchUp to model-up using the imported photo.

The original table was built in 1800-1810 and attributed to John and Thomas Seymour.

I could not obtain some of the satinwood and burlwood veneers of the original so I substituted other materials. Also, there is a lot of different bandings and stringing that could not be exactly matched. The treatment of decoration on the tapered turned legs is unusual. Instead of the normal reeding, six vertical lines of veneer stringing are let in. In lieu of the satinwood, I used California Big-Leaf Maple burl veneer. The Top has a large rectangular Mahogany Crotch veneer panel.

This page has an extensive set of videos showing every element of construction of this piece.

Reference: "The Furniture Masterworks of John & Thomas Seymour" by Robert Mussey Jr.

Introduction

This is an introduction to a reproduction of an original Sheraton Work Table by famous cabinetmakers John and Thomas Seymour. The original piece was made in Boston about 1800. It is covered in veneer, bandings and inlay to create a challenge and a very beautiful decoration.

Rough turning of legs

This video shows the starting phase of making the Sheraton Work Table, and goes through the process of rough turning the Legs.

Turning beads

The turned and tapered legs have small beads, and this video shows how these beads are shaped on the lathe.