Glues and hooves and veneer

Been maintaining blog silence for a while because we've been offline at home while we changed internet provider (Talk Talk truly are abysmal).

In the meantime Kenny the dog has been doubling in length, height and badass attitude and I've managed to acquire some new woodworking knowledge and a few tools to make it look convincing.

My bench adorned with some fetching new tools

Last week was veneering - not a craft for a sensitive vegetarian. I spent most of last week covered in animal glue... a product of melted down hide and hooves that is warmed gently over hot water for use. It smells like something that has died but you do get used to that. 

It is irritatingly sticky and messy though and should only be used by skilled, organised and coordinated craftsfolk. 

I managed to stick myself to the bench and cover my veneer panels with thick residues that will take a week of finishing and polishing classes to remove.

That said, I was chuffed by my veneered panel with Zebrano edging (oh yes) and a line and a jolly 2-tone star in the middle:

Next I start work on my small box. I am making it out of French walnut which is a gorgeous wood with a slightly salmon coloured tone to it. 

French Walnut planed flat

I'm hoping for some precise and eminently beautiful dovetails to join it all together and a stunning veneered lid. It's early days...

I am also learning how to do technical drawings and plans.
This is a plan for a small box

Bonus content... Our visit to Cockings Sawmills, Midhurst, West Sussex.