Its always interesting to start a new project or developing a new product. You do a lot of research and try to determine what is selling, what materials, tools and steps are needed to produce it, and how long that is going to take. Finally, you decide on an item and you “give it a go.”
In this case, I’m starting on a larger product, a Stickley Arts & Crafts “book rack” from the 1900s. Its based on the classic Stickley #74 design, measuring 32” wide and 32” tall, with an angled shelf on top (easier to see the books) and a flat shelf on bottom. Its also designed with a series of wooden wedges/pegs to hold it together. This will enable you to take it apart and it can be stored/shipped flat.
I’ve chosen White Oak (the standard Arts & Crafts Material) to make it. Here I have the basic shape of the sides and I’m chiseling out the mortises (the holes in the sides) which will receive the tenon. You need a sharp chisel and sturdy bench to cut mortises, especially in white oak.
Kevin