Field Bar

[BryceM]

Walnut and maple go together like peas & carrots. Beautiful. What did you finish the wood with?

 

[Doug3006]

Walnut and maple go together like peas & carrots. Beautiful. What did you finish the wood with?

I used Danish Oil…natural shade…and then used an orbital polisher with Renaissance Wax to buff it up. My first attempt to use polyurethane was a disaster. Never again.

 

[Rare Breed]

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Nice!!!

 

[THAT'S AFRICA SAFARI]

I’ve wanted a field bar for quite a while, but got cold feet when I learned how expensive the store bought versions are. More on this in a minute.

So, I decided to build my own. Here in Missouri, the most common fine wood is American Walnut. It grows abundantly in and is easily sourced at any good mill. I like the contrast between dark brown walnut and yellow wood of Hard Maple, so I used maple for the dividers.

It turned out not bad I think. I’ve spent enough time working on it that I know all of the flaws and defects. I could put more time into it to get it to the next level, but at some point good enough is good enough.

Oh yeah, now I know why the store bought versions are so expensive. I wouldn’t dream of making one to sell. I figure the next one would be easier and better due to the learning curve. But, I’d starve to death trying to make a living at this. Some pics:

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Wow this is beautiful! absolutely magnificent. We do a exclusive "Hemingway Experience" and this would do so well.

We have been looking at Melvill & Moon's field bars for some time but you are right they are very very pricey. WELL DONE this one is incredible

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I used Danish Oil…natural shade…and then used an orbital polisher with Renaissance Wax to buff it up. My first attempt to use polyurethane was a disaster. Never again.

Polyurethane can be tricky, especially the water based stuff. Oil base Varathane should be thinned with thinner about 20%. It does provide a very durable finish and develops a rich patina. Apply very thin or it will run. Water base polyurethane goes on poorly, raises the grain, and does not "yellow" over time (patina). Not as much anyway. But it dries very quickly which can be handy for crafts projects and such. I prefer oil base Minwax brand for polyurethane. No thinning needed. Water base CANNOT be thinned with thinner.

It's been a long time since I fiddled with Danish oil. It was my grandfather's favorite finish for his walnut projects. Very rich look. Not terribly durable, but the wax you used to polish should help with that. Again, very nice job.

 

[Rare Breed]

Just got my cedar field bar. Not nearly as nice or big as Doug’s but perfect for my Landy and the wonderful smell fills the car!

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Just got my cedar field bar. Not nearly as nice or big as Doug’s but perfect for my Landy and the wonderful smell fills the car!

I really wanted to look at what you've done but can't get the thumbnails to load. From what I can see (which is not a lot), it looks great. Your own pattern or modeled after something? Might want to consider attaching the hinges with machine screws and nuts. Cedar is very soft and the shallow brass screws that usually come with those fancy hinges may work their way loose. Or find brass screws long enough to go all the way through the wood.