The cabinet-maker and upholsterer's companion
THE CABINET-MAKER AND UPHOLSTERER'S COMPANION
COMPRISING THE ART OF DRAWING, AS APPLICABLE TO CABINET WORK; VENEERING, INLAYING, AND BUHL-WORK; THE ART OF DYEING AND STAINING WOOD, IVORY, BONE, TORTOISE-SHELL, ETC. DIRECTIONS FOR LACKERING, JAPANNING, AND VARNISHING; TO MAKE FRENCH POLISH, GLUES, CEMENTS, AND COMPOSITIONS; WITH NUMEROUS RECEIPTS, USEFUL TO WORKMEN GENERALLY. A NEW EDITION, WITH AN APPENDIX UPOX FRENCH POLISHING,
STAINING, IMITATING, VARNISHING, ETC., ETC.
BY J. STOKES.
PHILADELPHIA, HENRY CAREY BAIRD & CO., 1880.
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The cabinet-maker and upholsterer's companion
INTRODUCTION.
The very great improvement which the arts and manufactures of this country have attained, within the last fifty years, renders it essential that every person engaged therein should use his utmost endeavours to obtain a perfect knowledge of the trade or art which he professes to follow. The workmen of the last century were, comparatively speaking, with but few exceptions, mechanical beings, who worked by rule, unguided by any scientific principles, and followed step by step the beaten track of their ancestors. The workmen of the present day have the road of science opened for them; the clue of knowledge is unwound to the inquiring mind ; but unless industry and perseverance accompany them in the pursuit of information, they will never obtain sufficient to justify a pretension even to a medium knowledge of the principles of their respective arts.
These remarks apply to scientific and mechanical professions generally; but to the cabinet-maker and upholsterer they attach with peculiar force. It is not enough for a person following either of these branches of domestic decoration to have attained the character of a good workman, that being now considered a mere negative phrase, implying only that quantum of excellence which consists in following implicitly the directions of others, or imitating with neatness and accuracy their details and plans. In a business where change and caprice rule with unbounded sway, in which the fashion of to-day may become obsolete to-morrow, and in which novelty forms the greatest recommendation - an inventive genius and a discriminating judgment are, certainly, essential qualifications; and if the young workman ever feels the least ambition to excel, or entertains a wish to rise above the bench, he will find them to be not only essential, but actually indispensable.
In this business, as well as in many others, the workman who understands the principles of his trade, and applies them correctly in practice, has a decided advantage over his fellow-workmen ; and if to his superior knowledge he add a steadiness of manner and industrious habits, his endeavours cannot fail to secure approbation, while his worth will be certainly and duly appreciated.
If, then, in order to secure constant employment - the only means of insuring comfort to himself and family - it is essential that the workman should excel, how much more must it behoove the person who superintends a business of the kind to be fully acquainted with every department of the business? for how can any one pretend to direct others who is himself in need of information ? Nor is this all ; it will often fall to his province to sketch out new designs, or to alter or improve those in present use. If his employer, or a respectable customer, should not approve of the fashion or ornamental embellishment of any new article of furniture submitted to their approbation, a superintendent would feel himself sadly at a loss, if he could neither sketch out the improvements or alterations which his own genius might suggest, nor imbody those pointed out by others.
To make our work useful, and easy of reference, we have adopted the popular plan of dividing the subjects into distinct parts, and of again subdividing them under their proper heads. This will enable any one to trace out any particular direction or receipt with facility, and show, generally at one view, all we have to say upon the subject.
Part I. comprises the rudiments and principles of ornamental cabinet*making and upholstery generally ; and contains plain and familiar instructions, exemplified by easy examples, for attaining a proficiency in the art of drawing, particularly that department applicable to the cabinet-maker and upholsterer. In this part, we have endeavoured to lead the student, step by step, from first principles to the more deter- minate forms ; and, by placing before his view the progressive examples, to render the attainment of this useful art equally speedy and certain. We have not only endeavoured, in this part, to practise the pupil in such a familiar and progressive manner as to render it a pleasing recreation, rather than an abstract study ; but we have also laid down the most approved principles for the development and exercise of his inventive faculties, in the practice of the ornamental department of his art, and to lay before him such elegant and classic designs, and such modern
Part II. comprises the processes of veneering, inlaying, and finishing in buhl-work the ornamental decorations used in cabinet-work. In this part, such directions are given as experience has warranted to be most certain of properly and successfully performing the embellishment in a neat and complete manner. The materials best adapted for the purpose are also pointed out, and the cements and glues most suited for this kind of work described.
Part III. comprises dyeing and staining woods, ivory, bone, tortoise-shell, musical instruments, and all other manufactured articles ; with the processes of silvering, gilding, and bronzing. In this, we have laid down the most approved directions for the selection of the wood or other articles best adapted for the required process ; the method of preparing it, and the dye or stain best calculated to give it the desired colour: and in the silvering, gilding, and bronzing, nothing has been omitted which modern improvement has added to perfect in these branches the highest style of brilliancy.
Part IV. comprises lackering, japanning, varnishing, and polishing every article of cabinet and upholstery work ; and contains all the improved processes practised in each of their departments, including India japanning and the French polishing ; together with plain directions for making and employing the best and most brilliant lackers, japans, and varnishes, according to the receipts of the most celebrated manufacturers.
Part V. contains glues, cement, and compositions for filling up and ornamenting articles of furniture; and a considerable number of miscellaneous receipts - the result of experience, or selected from the writings of the most approved authors and the more scientific works.
Such is the outline of its contents. As to its merits, we submit our opinion to the test of a discerning public, in the confident expectation that the “Cabinet-maker and Upholsterer's Companion" will soon find a place in every factory and workshop, and be the companion of every intelligent work man.
These remarks apply to scientific and mechanical professions generally; but to the cabinet-maker and upholsterer they attach with peculiar force. It is not enough for a person following either of these branches of domestic decoration to have attained the character of a good workman, that being now considered a mere negative phrase, implying only that quantum of excellence which consists in following implicitly the directions of others, or imitating with neatness and accuracy their details and plans. In a business where change and caprice rule with unbounded sway, in which the fashion of to-day may become obsolete to-morrow, and in which novelty forms the greatest recommendation - an inventive genius and a discriminating judgment are, certainly, essential qualifications; and if the young workman ever feels the least ambition to excel, or entertains a wish to rise above the bench, he will find them to be not only essential, but actually indispensable.
In this business, as well as in many others, the workman who understands the principles of his trade, and applies them correctly in practice, has a decided advantage over his fellow-workmen ; and if to his superior knowledge he add a steadiness of manner and industrious habits, his endeavours cannot fail to secure approbation, while his worth will be certainly and duly appreciated.
If, then, in order to secure constant employment - the only means of insuring comfort to himself and family - it is essential that the workman should excel, how much more must it behoove the person who superintends a business of the kind to be fully acquainted with every department of the business? for how can any one pretend to direct others who is himself in need of information ? Nor is this all ; it will often fall to his province to sketch out new designs, or to alter or improve those in present use. If his employer, or a respectable customer, should not approve of the fashion or ornamental embellishment of any new article of furniture submitted to their approbation, a superintendent would feel himself sadly at a loss, if he could neither sketch out the improvements or alterations which his own genius might suggest, nor imbody those pointed out by others.
To make our work useful, and easy of reference, we have adopted the popular plan of dividing the subjects into distinct parts, and of again subdividing them under their proper heads. This will enable any one to trace out any particular direction or receipt with facility, and show, generally at one view, all we have to say upon the subject.
Part I. comprises the rudiments and principles of ornamental cabinet*making and upholstery generally ; and contains plain and familiar instructions, exemplified by easy examples, for attaining a proficiency in the art of drawing, particularly that department applicable to the cabinet-maker and upholsterer. In this part, we have endeavoured to lead the student, step by step, from first principles to the more deter- minate forms ; and, by placing before his view the progressive examples, to render the attainment of this useful art equally speedy and certain. We have not only endeavoured, in this part, to practise the pupil in such a familiar and progressive manner as to render it a pleasing recreation, rather than an abstract study ; but we have also laid down the most approved principles for the development and exercise of his inventive faculties, in the practice of the ornamental department of his art, and to lay before him such elegant and classic designs, and such modern
Part II. comprises the processes of veneering, inlaying, and finishing in buhl-work the ornamental decorations used in cabinet-work. In this part, such directions are given as experience has warranted to be most certain of properly and successfully performing the embellishment in a neat and complete manner. The materials best adapted for the purpose are also pointed out, and the cements and glues most suited for this kind of work described.
Part III. comprises dyeing and staining woods, ivory, bone, tortoise-shell, musical instruments, and all other manufactured articles ; with the processes of silvering, gilding, and bronzing. In this, we have laid down the most approved directions for the selection of the wood or other articles best adapted for the required process ; the method of preparing it, and the dye or stain best calculated to give it the desired colour: and in the silvering, gilding, and bronzing, nothing has been omitted which modern improvement has added to perfect in these branches the highest style of brilliancy.
Part IV. comprises lackering, japanning, varnishing, and polishing every article of cabinet and upholstery work ; and contains all the improved processes practised in each of their departments, including India japanning and the French polishing ; together with plain directions for making and employing the best and most brilliant lackers, japans, and varnishes, according to the receipts of the most celebrated manufacturers.
Part V. contains glues, cement, and compositions for filling up and ornamenting articles of furniture; and a considerable number of miscellaneous receipts - the result of experience, or selected from the writings of the most approved authors and the more scientific works.
Such is the outline of its contents. As to its merits, we submit our opinion to the test of a discerning public, in the confident expectation that the “Cabinet-maker and Upholsterer's Companion" will soon find a place in every factory and workshop, and be the companion of every intelligent work man.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
PART I
ORNAMENTAL CABINET MAKING
- The Rudiments of Drawing as Applicable to Articles op Furniture
- Primary Observations on Drawing Ornaments for Cabinet Work
- Geometrical and perspective terms, defined and explained
- Geometry
- Perspective
- The Rudiments of Shadowing
- The Rudiments of Coloring
- To Imitate Mahogany, Rosewood
- To imitate Satin Wood, Bronze, Brass, Ormolu, Velvet, Green Baize, Glass, Porphyry Marble, Verd-Antique, Sienna Marble. Mona Marble
- To Imitate Black Marble, Buff Color Drapery, White Drapery, Chintz, Gilt Poles, Crimson Curtains, Painted Landscapes
- Ornaments Used in Cabinet Work - Their Terms Explained
- Foliage Ornament, Mixed Ornament
- Festooned Ornament, Arabesque Ornament, Winding Foliage, Serpentine or Running Ornament, Plaited Ornament,
- Guilloche Ornament, Fret Ornament, Mosaic Ornament, Buhl Ornament
- Ornaments Used in Cabinet and Upholstering Work - When and Where most Applicable
PART II
VENEERING, INLAYING, ETC.
- Of Veneering
- Gluing and Veneering as Applied to Card and Other Table Tops, Secretary and Book Case Fronts, etc
- To Raise old Veneers
- A Strong Glue well Suited for Inlaying of Veneering; To Veneer Tortoise Shell
- Buhl Work
- To Prepare Shell or Brass Ready for Cutting Out; Cutting Out the Pattern
- To Glue up the Patterns
- Laying your Veneer
- Inlaying with Shaded Wood
- To Imitate Inlaying of Silver Strings
- A Glue for Inlaying Brass or Silver Strings; To polish Brass Ornaments Inlaid in Wood; to Wash Brass Figures Over with Silver; To Imitate Tortoise Shell on Copper 55
PART III
DYEING, STAINING. GILDING, ETC
- Dyeing Fine Black; Another Method
- Fine Blue
- Another Blue; a Fine Yellow
- A Bright Yellow, Liquid for Brightening and Setting Colors ; A Bright Green
- Another Green; Bright Red ; Another Red
- Purple; Another Purple
- Orange; Silver Grey
- Another Grey
- Staining 66
- Black Staining for Immediate Use; To Stain Beach a Mahogany Color; Another Method for a Black Stain
- To Imitate Rosewood
- To Imitate King or Botany Bay Wood; Red Stain for Bedsteads and Common Chairs; to improve the color of any
- To Stain Horn in Imitation of Tortoise Shell; to Stain Ivory or Bone Ked
- To Stain Ivory or Bone Black, Green, Blue, Yellow
- To Stain Musical Instruments, Fine Crimson, Purple, Fine Black
- Fine Blue, Fine Green, Bright Yellow, to Stain Box Wood Brown
- Silvering and Gilding
- The Requisites Necessary to be Provided with; Size for Oil Gilding
- To Make Size for Preparing Frames, etc.; to Prepare Frames or Wood Work
- Polishing
- Gold Size, Another Gold Size, to Prepare your Frames for Gilding
- Laying on the Gold
- Burnishing
- Matting or Dead Gold: Finishing
- To Make Shell Gold, Silver Size, Silvering
- To Make Liquid Foil for Silvering Glass Globes, Bent Mirrors, etc.
- Excellent Receipt to Burnish Gold-size, to Gild Leather for Bordering-doors, Folding Screens, etc.
- To Gild the Bonders of Leather Tops of Library Tables
- Bronzing, to Bronze Figures
- To Bronze on Wood
- To Bronze Brass Figures for Ornaments
PART IV.
LACKERING, JAPANNING, VARNISHING, ETC.
- Lackering, To Lacquer Brass Work
- To Make Gold Lackers for Brass
- Superior Lacker for Brass; Pale Gold Lacker; Lacker With Spirits of Turpentine
- To Clean Old Brass Work for Lackering
- Japanning
- A Black Japan; To Imitate Black Rosewood
- India Japanning
- Grounds for Chinese Japan
- To Make Black Japan; to Trace your Designs on the Ground; to Raise Figures on Your Work
- Bronzes Peculiarly Adapted for India Japanning and Similar Purposes; Gold, Copper, Silver
- Tin, Method of Applying the Bronze
- To Japan Work Boxes, etc
- Ceiling Wax Varnish
- Varnishing
- Cautions Respecting the Making of Varnish
- General Directions in Choosing Gums and Spirits
- To Varnish a Piece of Furniture
- To Make the Best White Hard Varnish ; to Keep Brushes in Order
- Mastic Varnish for Pictures or Drawings, Turpentine Varnish, Varnishes for Violins, etc
- To Varnish Drawings, or any Kind of Paper or Card Work
- Amber Varnish; Oil Varnish
- Copal Varnish; to Make a Colorless Copal Varnish
- Turpentine Copal Varnish
- A Varnish which Suits all Kinds of Prints and Pictures: to Make Appear in Gold tlie Figures of a Print
- Method of Preparing the Composition Used for Colored Drawings and Prints, to Make Them Resemble Paintings in Oil; Polishing
- To Polish Varnish; the French Method of Polishing
- To Polish Brass Ornaments Inlaid in Wood; to Polish Ivory; to Polish Pearl
- To Polish Marble; To Polish Tortoise Shell or Horn
- Friction Varnishing, or French Polishing
- The True French Polish
- Another French Polish
- An Improved Polish ; Water-proof Polish
- Bright Polish; Prepared Spirits
- Strong Polish; Directions for Cleansing and Polishing Old Furniture 122
PART V
GLUES, CEMENTS, ETC.
- Cements. To Make Mahogany Colored Cement; Portable Glue, or Bank Note Cement
- Cement for Turners ; a Cement for Broken Glass
- A Cement to Stop Flaws or Cracks in Wood of any Color; Cements for Joining China, etc
PART VI
- A Strong Glue that will Resist Moisture
- Another Glue that will Resist Moisture; Paste for Laying Cloth or Leather on Table Tops
- Miscellaneous Receipts. Glass Paper
- To Clean the Face of Soft Mahogany or Other Porous Wood
- To Darken Light Mahogany
- To Cut Good Steel Scrapers; to Sharpen and Set a Saw
- To take Bruises out of Furniture
- To Make Anti-attrition; Polish for Turner's Work
- To Clean and Restore the Elasticity of Cane Chair Bottoms, etc.; to Clean Silver Furniture; to Clean Marble, Sienna, Jasper, Porphyry, or Scagalio
- To Take ink Spots out of Mahogany; to Make Furniture Paste!
- To Make Furniture Oil; Black Wax
- Green Wax; to Take out Spots of Oil or Grease from Cloth; to Make Parchment Transparent
- To Take Out Wax Spots from Cloth or Silk; to Soften and to Bleach Ivory
- To Solder or Weld Tortoise Shell or Horn; to Clean Carpets or Tapestry; to Make Composition Ornaments for Picture Frames, etc
- To Clean Pictures
- To Clean Pictures; to Silver Clock Faces, etc.
- Varnish for Clock Faces,
- Crystallized Tin; to render Plaster Figures Very Durable
- To Make Transparent or Tracing Paper
- To Gild Metal by Dissolving Gold in Aqua-regia; to Silver Ivory
- To Clean Mirrors, Ormolu Ornaments, etc
- A Green Paint to Preserve Wood Against Injury from Fire
- To Remove Stains in Tables; Hints in Melting and Using
- Glue; to Renew a Polished Surface; to Clean oil the Surface of Solid Work.
- To Clean Lackered Work in Brass Furniture; to Cast Ornaments, etc., to Resemble Wood
- Cement Stopping
- To Clean a Veneered Surface; Grease or Dirt in French Polish ; Choice of Tools
- To Temper Saws, Chisels, etc
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