Thomas Jefferson's Book Stand
-
I haven't posted anything here for awhile so I thought I'd show off the sketch I banged out this evening. This is a book stand that Thomas Jefferson used. It'll hold five books at a time and swivels on the base. I have yet to decide on the hinges although I'm leaning toward some extruded brass ones.
Another project for the shop when I get around to knocking some other pieces off the list. I think I'd do this one in mahogany like the original.
-
Nice model, Dave...and what a clever design! I agree, brass would accent that dark wood perfectly.
-
When that baby is fully loaded you will not have time for modelling, tutoring or even working my friend - never mind woodworking!!!
Like it alot - would love to see a picture of the finished article.
-
Dave, it looks great, a 'lazy Susan' for the avid reader.
My only question would be why? who would read 5 books at a time?
-
I reckon anyone researching a particular subject might like 5 books open at the same time - pre-personal computers this would have been like hyperlinks. I suspect the books would also have had numerous slips of paper in them, marking particular pages.
-
@chrisjk said:
I reckon anyone researching a particular subject might like 5 books open at the same time - pre-personal computers this would have been like hyperlinks. I suspect the books would also have had numerous slips of paper in them, marking particular pages.
....... or 5 iPad
Nice one Dave 
-
Dermott, than k you. I'd like to see if finished also.
Pete, Chris has it. Jefferson was an avid reader and researcher. He kept this next to his writing desk so that he could refer to the various scholars. I expect Chris is also correct about the slips of paper marking pages in the books.
Frankly, as nice as it is to have the WWW to search for information, I still prefer a book in my hand with pages to turn. I like bookmarks made of scraps of paper and old envelopes over hyperlinks.
Mike, maybe this is just the thing for you. You'll have at least 5 iPads, right?
FWIW, you can buy an imported one already made for a bit over $600. Not much wood there, though. Not a difficult build, either.
-
@solo said:
Dave, it looks great, a 'lazy Susan' for the avid reader.
My only question would be why? who would read 5 books at a time?
Well, I sometimes read 3 books at a time.
But yes, books were the only resource for research back then. Cross referencing was mandatory skill.
-
TJ was a voracious reader. He spent most of his earthly fortune books on every subject. These of course became the foundation for the Library of Congress. His bed at Monticello was encased in a wall between 2 rooms --his Library and work room as well as his bedroom so that in case he had a thought in the night he could get up and write it down or work out some theory or look something up. His mind never rested.
Architect, Planter, Surveyor, Engineer, Inventor, Statesmen, Diplomat, Linguist, America's Leonardo.
I hate that guy.
cool model. BTW!
-
@unknownuser said:
so that in case he had a thought in the night he could get up and write it down
I can't even manage that when I am awake.
@unknownuser said:
His mind never rested.
I make up for him on that one.
Thank you, David.
Advertisement