Newport Four Draw Chest

An iconic example of American design, incorporating concave and convex shells, blocked front and unique scrolled ogee bracket feet.
August 17 – August 22, 2020

This Rhode Island chest is an iconic example of American design, incorporating concave and convex shells, blocked front and unique scrolled ogee bracket feet. This striking design combination was developed by the Townsend and Goddard families of cabinetmakers in the mid eighteenth century and copied by many others. Al measured our example from a Townsend original.

For this class, students will be sent a full size drawing so that they can cut blanks for the shells, base molding and feet and bring them to class. In class we will make these parts as well as learn how to do the basic case work, learning lots of tricks and specialized techniques that Al has developed over the years while building many Newport block and shell pieces. In this way, students will go home with the carved elements mastered and the knowledge of how it all goes together to become the finished chest.

The Introduction to Hand Tools and/or Carving in the Newport Style classes would be helpful but not necessary as preparation for this class.

Newport Four Draw Chest Class

Tool List

  • Mill bastard file for sharpening scrapers

  • Small pair dividers (3”-6”)

  • Compass – 6” min.

  • Nicholson #49 or 50 rasp or equivalent

  • Scraper(s) Lie Nielsen hand scraper set or equivalent

  • 1 ½” paring chisel – Sorby #07F28 Woodcraft Supply, Ounkyo #17,309.36 Japan Woodworker or equivalent

  • Carving tools – Pfeil #’s from Woodcraft Supply catalogue or equivalent: 3-12, 5-5, 5-35, 7-6, 7-20, 8-13, 9-5, 9-10, 11-7, 11-5, 12-6 or 8, 12A/3 bent V parting tool, backbents : 25-6, 25-10, 25-13

  • Optional carving tools – 3-30, 6-8

  • We have mallets, but bring a favorite one if you wish.

10% Off Lie-Nielsen Tools

Lie-Nielsen will give a 10% discount on any tools purchased by students for a class. This only applies to tools they make, not other brands that they carry.

Class Information

School Information & Policies

Class Schedule

August 17 – August 22, 2020
8:00am – 5:30pm
Registration Closed