Pennsylvania Spice Cabinet - Part 2 - Design

Welcome to part 2 of the Spice Cabinet Blog. To every part 1 there is usually a part 2 - I can't see this being any different :) --- Continue reading below.

We have worked out our Spice Cabinet design in Sketchup (Photo Above). Sketcup is wonderful - I feel it allows you to not only create the design, but also allows you do to a pre-build. In essence you get to build your project twice.

As with any project, the first time you build it, the second one is always better. Hopefully this proves true for us.

Joinery of choice is going to be dovetail. You can use box joints, locking 45 miters or any other combination of joinery you are comfortable with. This project will have well over 100 pins and tails so if you are looking at perfecting your dovetailing, you just may be an expert by the time your finished.

There were two major influences in our design. Fist, Steve Latta. We first came across Steve and the spice cabinet that has captured our interested from watching Roy Underhill. Roy had Steve on the show doing an episode on Inlaid letterin. Here is a link to the episode if you wish to watch. Inlaid Lettering / Spice Cabinet

We took Steve's basic outside case construction. We didn't change much; other than the feet and the back cover. For the feet, we are going to do shaped bracket feet vs. Steve's straight bracket feet. Having a new Laguna 14" SUV will allow us to create these with ease. We have made these in the past with a coping saw, so no excuses.

Ohh, yes, one other change to Steve's design; we opted for a fully inset door vs Steve's partial inset design.

Woodworking is all about taking what you like and making it your own so we do not mean any disrespect to Steve's design, we just wanted to add our own flair.

For the inside of the case. We are choosing a box in box design. What do I mean by this? Well, allot of spice cabinets have the inner "Pigeon Holes" "for lack of a better word" joined to the inner case. With box in box, you have your external cabinet, with an internal cabinet/box that slides into the outer box. We seen this done by Charles Neil and it just seems like a fine way to do it. As well, it will allow us to create the pigeon hole assembly from a contrasting wood such as maple. Looks real nice.

Spice cabinets are famous for their hidden compartments, We really like Steve's hideaways so we kept one just as he has his and for the second, well, we will show you in the video build. You can do as many or as few of these secret compartments as you like. We kept it simple with just 2. Or did we?

Well, that's all for part 2. What's next? Well, the drawing needs dimensioning to become a functioning set of plans. Then, it's to locate a "semi local" hardwood dealer for the Walnut and Maple.

Stay tuned for plans illustrating "our" Pennsylvania Spice Cabinet.

Thanks for visiting our little blog post.

Tags: 17th, Cabinet, Century, Furniture, Pennsylvania, Spice

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Comment by Michael & Matthew Agate on February 25, 2013 at 5:33am: Lewis,

If you take a look at John's post below, we are going to set up a live sketchup class to go over the basics. If you are interested in watching let John know as I will have room for 25 viewers. Thanks for taking time to comment.

Michael and Matthew Agate (Newfoundland Canada)

Forum Host Comment by Lewis Kauffman on February 24, 2013 at 6:31pm: This is going to be a wonderful blog to follow!

I envy your Sketchup skills! I can barely pull up a rectangle!

Lew Kauffman-
Wood Turners Forum Host

Time traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!

Comment by Michael & Matthew Agate on February 24, 2013 at 6:19pm: Thanks kindly John. Blogging here is great, we enjoy sharing what we are up to. We got to spend a little time in the shop today as the weather warmed above freezing. Matthew played on the bandsaw and had a blast.

Nate: Anytime.

Michael and Matthew Agate (Newfoundland Canada)

Site Admin Comment by John Morris on February 24, 2013 at 4:51pm: Great job guys, what a wonderful and classy project this is going to be. I love the design and the history behind it. I cannot wait to see the progress on this. And it's going to be a wonderful skill builder too!

So, you have two secret compartments, but not for long! Or do we? LOL.

Thanks for blogging with us guys, this is very special indeed.

Michael, we are still on for the sketchup tutorial, just working out the headline news details is all, soon we'll be calling you up! Thank you so much!

John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops and Wounded Warriors Project

Site Host Comment by Nate Meadows on February 23, 2013 at 10:02pm: Michael,

I would love to have a lesson some time. That would help a ton!

I have no doubt that your tangible work will be even better than the Sketchup model.

Nate

Comment by Michael & Matthew Agate on February 23, 2013 at 11:41am: Nate, my only hope is the tangible wood presentation goes as well as the sketchup. lol. Sketchup is fun and fairly easy. If you wish to have a lesson, I could set it up via GoToMeeting. Fingers crossed on the build.

Michael and Matthew Agate (Newfoundland Canada)

Site Host Comment by Nate Meadows on February 23, 2013 at 9:40am: Michael,

This is going to be great. I like what you did with Sketchup. I am still learning how to use it. It is kicking me in the rear at the moment so I am in awe of your skill there.

I really look forward to your presentation in the tangible wood.

Nate