The Professional Look.
Often it is merely a matter of a piece of moulding or a corner brace, or a little extra sanding of the end grain.
In making a simple bedside lampstand and bookcase, for example, the tyro probably would be content with finishing everything off flush, and running the sides down to form feet. The professional, on the other hand, would give the top a slight overhang and form a simple thumb moulding on three edges.
He would certainly enclose the space below the bottom shelf, and perhaps cut the skirt into a decorative shape. This base would have the effect of giving four feet to the cabinet, and allow it to stand more firmly on the floor.
The difference between the two jobs therefore would not be one of extra skill on the part of the professional, but of a practical application of a knowledge of design and the way these things are usually done for the best results.
The closed-in base, as can readily be seen, is better from every standpoint. It shuts off a space that would collect dust yet be too low to permit of its being swept out. Thus for very little extra expenditure of labor and material a much more impressive and expensive-looking job results.
This principle can be extended to all kinds of furniture and cabinet-making jobs, including the selection of tools and the care they receive after they have been acquired. The professional gets the best tools he can afford, and buys at the same time
Continued....
From "How to Make Your Own Furniture"
By: Henry Lionel Williams
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