Structure #3 - Finishing

Completion of the CNC work meant it was time for finishing at the OGA Design shop where Daly Company has shop space. 

Preparing for the bench’s arrival, Pat had researched different methods of finishing.  We learned there are numerous products on the market well suited for our application. However,  John, of local Windsor Plywood,  stressed the  importance of picking  a product most suitable for the process. 

The bench being delivered to the OGA Design shop

Since we don't know the future home of our bench, we wanted to pick the most versatile product. We decided on Penofin Red Label containing Brazilian Rosewood oil that penetrates and protects against moisture. The oil adds color to the Douglas Fir based LVL and has UV protection to minimize fading. 

Before applying the finish, we sanded, fitted the legs, caped the sides and installed the four metal pegs that hold the entire bench together.

In a discussion with Art Paul of Permanent Pole, we reached a solution to hold the bench together with the least amount of materials and no glue. 


The joint we designed only needed two metal pegs, bored into the legs and aligned with holes on the top piece for security.  Accuracy of these holes was crucial. Pat built a jig for both pieces  to ensure the holes aligned perfectly. To streamline the process in the future, We will cut the holes in the CNC process to avoid having to ‘fiddle’ with the holes for correct size and increased accuracy.

The application of the finish went smoothly  and we’re really satisfied with the color it gave to the LVL. We gave it a final coat of wipe on poly for an added layer of protection, and to achieve the satin finish we were looking for. 

All that’s left is to install the color changing LED's, to the underside of the bench, and transportation  to Buildex 2013 at the Vancouver Convention Center.  The bench sat at the STRUCTURE program in the IDSWest booth February 13 - 14.