woodworking table - Stupefying Engineering in an 18th Century Table

woodworking table

 All Videos   Fast Fix Videos Avoiding Glue Squeeze-Out Build a Custom Drawer
for Your Router Bits Build a Hinged Stop Block Build a Shelf Pin Drilling Jig Breadboard Ends Jig Double-sided Router Fence Safer Sliding Dovetail Keys Sharpening Stone Jig Stop Planer Snipe Stowaway Miter Saw Stand Vise Insert Prevents Racking   Getting Started in Woodworking Season One Season Two Video Workshop Series Cabriole Leg Carve a Flame Finial Carve a Sheraton Leg Elegant Dining Chair Entertainment Center Garden Bench Hanging Wall Cabinet Mission-Style Bed Monster Workbench Morris Chair One Bookcase, Two Looks Roubo Workbench Small Cabinet Step Stool Tool Cabinet Trestle Table Two Ways to Make a Box Walnut Entertainment Center
Guide to Safety Against the Grain (ATG) Game   Finishing Applying a Finish Choosing a Finish Surface Preparation Coloring Wood Repairing Finishes Sealing and Priming Joinery Box Joints Breadboard Ends Butt Joints Dovetail Joints Dowels and Biscuits Lap Joints Frame and Panel Miter Joints Mortise and Tenon Joints Rabbet and Dado Joints Specialty Joints Spline Joints Tongue and Groove
Joints Furniture Construction Assembly and Glue Up Doors Drawers Furniture Construction Furniture Design Installing Hardware Legs, Feet, and Bases Surface Preparation Trim, Molding, and Edging Upholstery Fundamentals Hand Tool Skills Hand Tool
Maintenance Milling Lumber Power Tool Skills Power Tool
Maintenance Sharpening Wood Science Specialty Skills Bending Wood Carving Making Shop Tools Shaping Wood Turning Veneering and Inlay Hand Tools Chisels and Carving Tools Clamps Files and Rasps Hammers and Mallets Hand Planes Handsaws Measuring Tools Marking Tools Power Tools Biscuit Joiners Circular Saws Drill-Drivers Grinders Jig Saws Miter Saws Routers Sanders Machinery Bandsaw Accessories Drill-Driver Accessories Gluing and Finishing Supplies Miter Saws Bandsaws Drill Presses Dust Collection Hollow-Chisel Mortisers Jointers Lathes Planers Scroll Saws Tablesaws Industrial Machinery Air Powered Compressors Pneumatic Nailers Spray Guns Accessories Router Accessories Safety Equipment Saw Blades Sharpening Accessories Shop Gear Supports and Bases Tablesaw Accessories Turning Tools and Accessories Woods and Materials Adhesives Fasteners Hardware Other Materials Sheet Goods Solid Wood Lumber Finishes Dyes and Stains Epoxy Lacquers Oils Paints Shellac Varnishes Waxes All Woodworking Plans Accessories Arts and Crafts Asian Style Beds Benches Blanket Chests Bookcases Boxes Built-Ins Cabinets Chairs Chests of Drawers/Dressers Desks Entertainment Centers Outdoor Furniture Period Reproductions Shaker Sideboards Sofa Stool Tables Tools & Storage Turning Workbench Plans Workshop Plans
Furniture Gallery Shop Gallery Gallery of Jigs Post Photos of Your Own Work Dream Shop Gallery Magazine Readers Gallery Highlights Shaker Arts and Crafts Tables Workbenches Maloof Inspired Krenov Inspired Shop Gallery Dream Shop Gallery Jigs Gallery Guide to Safety Interactive: Finger-Joint Jig Interactive: Tablesaw Tune-Up Interactive: Ultimate Tablesaw Jig Workshop Layout Workshop Planner Workshop Design Workshop Systems Tool Storage Lumber Storage Workstations Workshop Safety Jigs Clamping Jigs Hand Tool Jigs Measuring and Marking Jigs Power Tool Jigs Push Sticks Router Jigs Sharpening Jigs Tablesaw Jigs Workbench Jigs Blogs NEW: Woodworking TV NEW: The Pro Shop NEW: Hand Work The Editors Mailbox Start Woodworking Free Plans Tool Addicts Design. Click. Build The Woodworking Life GlueTube Furniture Gallery Shop Gallery Gallery of Jigs Share Your Work
VideosTechniquesTool GuideMaterialsPlans & ProjectsGalleryWorkshopCommunity KnotsClassifiedsShopsReaders GalleryBlogsLettersProfiles GlueTube Stupefying Engineering in an 18th Century Table comments (12)June 23rd, 2011 in blogs        Ed Pirnik, Web Producer 52 users recommend

The marquetry adorning the top of this 18th century table is beautiful, but after over 200 years, its colors have faded significantly.

J. Paul Getty Museum

With the turn of a key, the top and writing surface extend in opposing directions.

J. Paul Getty Museum

A dizzying array of mechanics make this table an engineering marvel.

J. Paul Getty Museum

The drawer beneath the silk-covered writing surface features no pull. Instead, the user must depress a hidden lever beneath it.

J. Paul Getty Museum

Need more storage? A full length drawer opens out from the right side. Of course, it features a beautiful mortised lock set.

J. Paul Getty Museum

The marquetry adorning the top of this 18th century table is beautiful, but after over 200 years, its colors have faded significantly.

Photo: J. Paul Getty Museum Add Comment
Print

Nowadays, any enterprising woodworker with a bit of engineering know-how can easily purchase any number of manufactured gears, cams, and ratcheting mechanisms for use in extraordinary pieces of furniture. But back in the 18th century, when this exquisite table was built by a French craftsman, there certainly werent any Woodcraft, Rockler, or McMaster retail stores from which to purchase these sorts of mechanical items, and thats what makes this little table such a marvel of engineering.

Jean-Francois Aubin had privacy in mind when he built this small table for a female French aristocrat. Its chock-full of incredible mechanics thatll make your head spin.

With the turn of a key, the top and writing surface extend in opposing directions, revealing a silk-covered writing surface as well as two hidden wells for the storage of writing paper and other supplies. A small drawer centered beneath the writing surface has no pull with which to open it. Instead, the user depresses a small lever hidden beneath. For even more storage, Aubin incorporated a full length side drawer with a mortised lock set.

Marquetry Worn by Time
Interestingly, the colors of the marquetry on this particular table are rather muted--a result of the ravages of time. In much the same way that were not accustomed to seeing the original colors adorning the old ruins of Rome, the artists rendering of what this tables beautifully-adorned top would have looked like some 250 yeears ago is simply stunning.

More on marquetry: be sure to catch our audio slideshow on the construction of a reproduction masterpiece.

Secrets Unfold
The J. Paul Getty Museums animation of the inner secrets of this little table is stunning as well, and well worth watching. Its sure to inspire just about anyone who has ever built anything at all! 

posted in: blogs, period furniture, french furniture, mechanics
Add Comment Print Back to List Comments (12) Ronaldo9 writes: I would expect FWW to do a bit more research, the correct spelling is Jean-François Oeben. He was one of the greatest ébénistes of the XVIII and was also the master of Jean-Henri Riesener (many consider the latest to be the greatest). Their work sure deserve a whole article each.
There is one book on Oebens life: http://www.amazon.com/Jean-Fran%C3%A7ois-Oeben-Rosemarie-Stratmann-Dohler/dp/2859173544/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Posted: 4:12 am on June 26th
philtomlinson writes: FWW should really get out to see Robert Yarger of the Stickman Box Company.

He is a puzzle-box maker extraordinaire.

You can see some samples of his work, including his amazing Pirates Cipher Puzzlechest by going here:

http://www.lhup.edu/jstrayer/charles.htm


Seriously, theres a cover story here.
Posted: 5:32 pm on June 25th
dixiehighway writes: @geoffm
The Amish make a round table that remains round when extended.It is amazing. The pie-shaped pieces unfold, and the table slides out to accept them.
Posted: 12:26 pm on June 25th
dansanc writes: I take my hat off for Jean-Francois Aubin. What a wonderful piece!!! Are plans available?
Posted: 11:38 am on June 25th
Norman49 writes: Superbe table. Maitre Aubin certainly was a master artisan. Id love to get a set of plans replicating this table or similar 18c pieces.

Posted: 10:32 am on June 25th
Praath writes: I forgot something;
Here is the link to the extending round table that I found on the internet about a year ago.
Is this the table that was to be seen at Harrods?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWJdal0SYoc
Theo

Posted: 6:49 am on June 25th
Praath writes: Is this the extending round table you saw at harrods?
I think its a marvel
Posted: 6:46 am on June 25th
PaulC123 writes: I must be being a bit thick (not unusual) where is the link to the animation?

Thanks
Posted: 5:32 am on June 25th
geoffm writes: ... and speaking of stunning craftsmanship, I am reminded of the Jupe Table, which I saw in Harrods, London. This is a round extending table, which remains round when extended !
Maybe FWW can find some info on this marvellous piece ?




Posted: 3:49 am on June 25th
DarrenOates writes: Wow, what an amazing piece. Cant imagine how much this piece must have cost in its day. Agree, amazing craftsmanship.
Posted: 3:17 am on June 25th
Muscleguy writes: That looks like a clockwork motor doing the work of moving the top and writing surface, activated by the key. You can see the ratchet winding set on the front. Nice and a good use of then available tech. Probably more robust than our modern tendency to use electric motors as well.
Posted: 3:12 am on June 25th
Rustysea writes: Stunning design stunning craftsmanship - pretty stunning video too - and all done with hand tools.
Posted: 2:40 am on June 25th
You must be logged in to post comments. Click here to login. Subscribe to RSS Feed   

add to: my yahoo | igoogle | my aol ABOUT GLUETUBE

GlueTube is FineWoodworking.coms video blog that features self-produced videos about woodworking submitted by woodworkers around the globe. The videos featured here stream direct from video file-sharing Web sites including YouTube, Howcast, Vimeo, Blip.tv, Brightcove.tv and Google Video.

Learn about our new format!

Archive: Temporarily unavailable. Stay tuned and sorry for the inconvenience.

YOUR COMMENTS

"I would expect FWW to do a bit more research, the correct spelling is Jean-François Oeben. He was..."

Ronaldo9
Stupefying Engineering in an 18th Century Table

"FWW should really get out to see Robert Yarger of the Stickman Box Company. He is a puzzlebox..."

philtomlinson
Stupefying Engineering in an 18th Century Table

"Now that I have moved into my geezer years, I really appreciate "a bit too esoteric". Some how I..."

cmtall53
Homemade Slot Mortiser Has all the Right Moves JUST POSTED Stupefying Engineering in an 18th Century Table Woodworking Returns to Public Schools Cheap and Simple Slot Mortiser Plans Homemade Slot Mortiser Has all the Right Moves Video: How to Flatten Wide Boards LINKS WE LIKE The Community Gallery The Editors Mailbox NEW IN THE STORE Dust Control Made Simple
Sandor Nagyszalanczy $24.95
more info
Add to Cart

Links we Recommend
On Startwoodworking.com Easy to Build Plans and Projects Workshop Designs, Tips and Tools Guide to Woodworking Tools Share your Woodworking Projects
On FineHomebuilding.com Deck Planning Center Video: How to Tile a Shower Guide to Trim Carpentry Video: Build a Built-in Mudroom Cabinet Video: How to Paint a Room
On GreenBuildingAdvisor.com Video: Superinsulating a Home With Rigid Foam Building Science Blog Getting Started in Green Building – A Primer for Beginners Energy Efficiency Blog Green Building News
#footer { padding: 20px 0 10px 0; } #footer, #footer a { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: #959595; text-decoration: none; background-color: #fff; } #footer a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } .footer-content { width: 950px; text-align: left; margin: 0 auto; border-top: 2px dotted #555555; padding-top: 20px; } .footer-content .column { float: left; width: 172px; padding-right: 22px; } .footer-content .last { padding-right: 0px; } .footer-content ul { list-style-type: none; padding: 0; margin: 0 0 18px 0; } .footer-content ul li.heading { margin-bottom: 5px; font-weight: bold; } .footer-content hr { width: 170px; margin-bottom: 20px; } #footer .global-links { display: block; width: 950px; text-align: center; margin: 0 auto; } #footer .global-links, #footer .global-links a { color:#363636; font-size: 12px; padding: 0 2px; } #footer .global-links img.logo { margin-bottom: 8px; } #footer .global-links .byline span { /*display: none;*/ color:#363636; } #footer .global-links .byline span.gb { display: none; } #footer .global-links .taunton-main { display: none; } #footer .global-links p { margin: 12px 0; } #footer .fw, #footer .fw a { color: #BD640D; }#footer .sw, #footer .sw a { color: #175273; } Fine Woodworking Woodworking Plans and Projects Woodworking Videos Woodworking Tools Woodworking Tips and Techniques Woodworking Videos Woodworking Blogs Shops Gallery About Your Safety Woodworking Knots Forum Online Membership Fine Woodworking Magazine Fine Woodworking Magazine Subscription Fine Woodworking Magazine Renewal Fine Woodworking Magazine Gift Subscription Advertiser Marketplace Fine Woodworking Books and DVDs Start Woodworking Fine Homebuilding Homebuilding How-Tos Tool Guide Design and Layout ideas Video Projects and Plans Blogs Projects Photo Gallery Breaktime Forum Online Membership Fine Homebuilding Magazine Fine Homebuilding Magazine Subscription Fine Homebuilding Magazine Renewal Fine Homebuilding Magazine Gift Subscription Advertiser Marketplace Fine HomeBuilding Books and DVDs Green Building Advisor Green Building basics Green Building Product Guide Green Homes Green Building Q&A Green Building Glossary Shop Home Building: Energy Efficiency Fine Cooking Recipes Drink Recipes Guide to Grilling Menu Makers Recipe Makers Cooking How-To Cooking Videos Cookstalk Forum Online Membership Fine Cooking Magazine Fine Cooking Magazine Subscription Fine Cooking Magazine Renewal Fine Cooking Magazine Gift Subscription Fine Cooking Books and DVDs Fine Gardening Plant Guide Garden Design Container Gardening Gardening How To Gardening Videos Blogs on Gardening Gallery Forum Fine Gardening Magazine Fine Gardening Magazine Subscription Fine Gardening Magazine Renewal Fine Gardening Magazine Gift Subscription Advertiser Marketplace Fine Gardening Books and DVDs Vegetable Gardener Grow Vegetables Growing Tomatoes Organic Gardening How to Compost Garden Projects Vegetable Gardening Magazine Threads Sewing How To Sewing Videos Embroidery Patterns Teach Yourself to Sew Sewstylish Forum Threads Magazine Threads Magazine Subscription Threads Magazine Renewal Threads Magazine Gift Subscription Advertiser Marketplace Threads Books and DVDs Craftstylish Crochet Embroidery Jewelry Making Knitting Paper Crafts Sewing Books on Crafts

FineWoodworking.comGreenBuildingAdvisor.com is part of the Taunton Home and Garden Network Taunton Home | Books & Videos | Contact Us | Product recall information

Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice | Taunton Guarantee | User Agreement | About Us | Work for Us | Contact Us | Advertise | Press Room | Customer Service | Subscriber Alert

© 2011 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

-Click Here and Start WoodWorking

Do you find information about woodworking table are you looking for? If not, below may help you find more information about the woodworking table. Thank you for visiting, have a nice day.

Related Posts by Categories