Wow, thanks for the finishing tips for Mission projects. I got pretty close using a custom blended stain for a first pass, then I used a darker stain to give it additional depth and applied a Rockler wipe on poly / oil finish and used 2 coats. I'm very much a beginner but have a stack of Wood magazines that have all kinds of hints on stuff and getting tips from folks like you guys. Much appreciated.
Sort of OT, but I'm currently building 4 bookcase units (doing the double I did earlier was sort of a PITA) and want the option to have them appear as one wall unit, or if I want to move them around, have them separately. What is a good way to connect them? I was thinking of just putting a furring strip thing on the back of them with some screws into the uprights, that wouldn't leave a scar.
I'm also thinking of having only flush side trim so they can be shoved up next to each other and not have the bases in the way, maybe have some side trim that can be screwed on and off from the back as needed. Of course it will need support besides the trim to do that, but I have plenty of plywood scraps.
FWIW, my next project may be either a coffee table or a thin drawer tower to set on the end of the TV. Either way, I'll get a chance to use a xmas present my PCable dovetail jig. I know a guy who does his all by hand and thats great for him, no kids and a slack job, but I just want to get the job done and having it custom can wait a little while when I get bored with ones from the jig.
Sorry to hear about your Dad, Bill, it sounds like he was a good guy and fellow woodworker.
Scott