The one, the only porch double-rocker made of mahogany and white oak residing at my house. This has already seen many hours of use over the last two weeks. It turned out just right. Low enough to the floor that my short little legs are comfortable, the seat angle and the curve of the back fit just right. It rocks well and there’s enough room for two people; or a knitter and her cat. Unfortunately the cats have both decided it’s a tail-eating monster so they don’t come near it. They will eventually, it’s too enticing a spot for them to leave alone.
Before putting the rocker assembly and the seat assembly together, we hauled both pieces out to the garage for finishing. Hauled is probably too strong a word. This rocker is feather light, making it easy to move depending upon the angle of sun and the measure of sun worshiping desired that day.
Jack used a product called Penofin to finish it. Oil based, one coat, brush it on, wait a bit, wipe off the excess and let it dry for 24 hours. The only downside to this finish are the multiple warnings (the manufacturer, the store owner) not to leave the rags in a heap in the garbage; spontaneous combustion from the oil base is a danger. That’s why we moved it to the garage, no furnace or other pilot lights out there to worry about.
It will need to be reapplied once a year, but it’s not a lot of work. Much better than staining it and I think the finished grain is more attractive. It brought out the reddish color of the mahogany so that there’s a clear contrast between the two woods, something I had trouble seeing when it was unfinished.
The longer it sits in the sun, the deeper red the mahogany turns. The picture at top was taken when we first put it out on the deck. The mosaic below shows the color of the finished rocker as of today.
For now, Jack’s taking a break, cleaning up his shop and his tools and working odd repair jobs around the house. There’s some discussion about the next project, I have a list in mind but can’t decide what should be next. The rocker needs a table to go with, and a chair for those who don’t want to share their seat. But there are other ideas percolating, too, so we’ll just have to see.
I hope you didn’t find this process too boring. It was fun to document and will help me treasure this piece for many years.
Drool.
Not at all boring, it’s a thing of beauty.
Wonderful! And lucky you. It’s beautiful.
What a beautiful piece. Do you have children? Nieces and nephews? They will all be fighting over it.
It is beautiful and looks so comfortable. The change in color is very interesting. I hope you’ll take another photo or two of it over the next year to document the lovely color changes. Jack is marvelously skilled! I’m looking forward to seeing his next project.
Stunning!! I too am looking forward to you documenting Jack’s next project. Love it!
Lovely, just lovely. Thank you for sharing the process. It was nice to follow along. So… when can I hire him to come make me some furniture for the Love Shack?
It’s gorgeous!
Your Jack did a fabulous job! I have great enjoyed watching this project progress over time. It’s a wonderful reminder that quality furniture takes time and love.
Btw, what’s the knitting?! Are you holding out on us?
Congratulations to Jack on a fabulous piece of work. This is a beauty and I can attest to its comfort. We better get our sitting in now before the cats discover what they’re missing! The multipart story and photos really kept us engaged with the process. Excitement builds as we wait to see what Jack takes on next!
It’s not boring at all! I covet your husband’s workshop AND the rocker!
Your nieces are already fighting over it. You might want to hire a food taster, like the President. Fine work, fine documentation.
I found the whole process fascinating! And I so want a workshop like Jack’s… 8 )
And, yeah, what are you knitting?
Very pretty!!