Brackets Construction

CONSTRUCTION AND ASSEMBLY METHODS FOR BRACKETS

I make brackets in parts and assemble them after carving. I really like the depth this technique produces, and there is less time spent removing waste material. I start the project by making detailed scale drawings of the face view, side view, and individual parts. Usually, each bracket consists of a base block, one or two side leaves, one or two side scrolls, a face leaf, and an abacus. Once I am satisfied I've got the drawings right, I make profile patterns. By the time I have completed the drawings, I fully understand how I will build each part. The next step is to plane, joint, cut, and glue boards to create the carving blanks. Once I have the blanks, I cut the profiles on my bandsaw, dry fit them, and make adjustments, if necessary.

I attach the profiles to plywood by lightly gluing them to the plywood with newspaper in between. The carvings are easily removed by sliding a thin putty blade between paper and wood. The purpose of this procedure is to be able to clamp the profiles to the bench for carving.

Final step:

The base block has been carved and the side leaves and abacus have been glued to the base block. Attaching the leaf to the face is the final step to completion.