Ken Napior

I started woodworking about 1981 making useful things around the house. As a Structural Engineer I pay close attention to small details and thorough planning. My wife and I enjoy shopping for antiques, and I used to say, “I could probably make that." I love early American furniture and enjoy studying the construction details of the old masters. Like many woodworkers, I used to be happy just being able to cut square pieces. Gradually, I began to include curves, then hand carving, and finally vacuum veneering in many of my pieces. Mostly I enjoy projects that challenge me to learn a new technique and push my capabilities. Many power tools have taken over my work shop, but what I enjoy most is using reconditioned hand tools, with the knowledge that another wood worker's hands has enjoyed them before me. Ken

Ken Napior   knapior@sbcglobal.net

Candle box

Candle Box is made of cherry, with rosewood banding. Details include bracket feet, inlay banding on all 4 sides and the inlay on the top. Finished with 3 coats of lacquer.

Dimensions 14” x 6 1/4” x 6 1/2”.

Tea Table in Chippendale style

Chippendale Tea Table is based on the original built by John Goddard of Newport, R.I. circa 1750-1780.  Constructed of cherry and book match cherry veneer on the top. Stained with Trans tint dyes and with lacquer finish.

Although the apron appears to wrap right around the table, this is an illusion created by sawing veneers from the apron stock and applying them to the top section to each leg to create continuous grain. The solid cherry apron has tenons into the legs in the traditional manner.

Dimensions 32 3/8” x 19 ¼” x 27”

Jewelry box

Jewelry box open

Jewelry Box is based on my own design and includes 2 hidden compartments. Constructed entirely of cherry with rosewood banding. Finished with 3 coats of lacquer. Details include the ogee bracket feet, through dovetail construction, and brass hardware.

Dimensions: 10 3/8” x 8” x 5 3/4”.

Queen Anne Tea Table is based on a New England style, circa 1720-1750, an American classic.

Note the symmetry of the table as a whole and the graceful curve of the legs and the curved face of the apron. Constructed with cherry with book matched cherry veneer on the top. Stained with Trans tint dyes and with lacquer finish.

Dimensions: 31” x 19 3/8” x 26 ½”

Secretary
detail

Chippendale cherry block-front secretary is based on an original by John Goddard, Newport, R.I. circa 1760-1775.

Note the unique use of the tomb-stone style doors, the cock-beading around the doors and drawers, the graceful curve of the well-developed bonnet top. Brass hardware is from Horton Brasses in Cromwell, CT. Stained with Zar Rosewood and finished with lacquer.

There are 11 secret compartment hidden within the interior. This unusual case has fluted columns on both the top and bottom cabinets.

Dimensions: 42 1/4” x 25 1/2” x 93”

Chippendale Library Book Case is based on the original by Thomas Chippendale, plate 93 of “The Gentleman & Cabinet-Maker’s Director” by Thomas Chippendale, Third Edition.

Constructed with plywood cased with cherry and sapele quarter sliced veneers and maple veneer on the doors with string inlay. Finished with 3 coats of lacquer. Details include the ogee bracket feet, fretwork on both the top and bottom cases and symmetrical dentil molding at the top, along with the hand cut keyhole in the doors. Brass hardware is from Horton Brasses in Cromwell, CT.

Dimensions: 42 1/4” W by 14 1/2” D by 91” H

Knee Hole Desk
detail

Chippendale cherry block-front kneehole desk with carved shells is based on the original by Edmund Townsend, Newport, R.I., circa 1760-1775.

The top drawer convex blocked shells are carved from solid blocks of cherry, then glued to the drawers fronts. Note all the details such as the blocked drawer fronts, the shells, the raised beading on the ogee bracket feet, cock beading around the drawers, and fluted columns at the corners. Brass hardware is from Horton Brasses in Cromwell, CT. Stained with Zar Rosewood and finished with lacquer.

Dimensions: 36 ¾” x 20” x 34 ½”