Roycroft Little Journeys Table

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Traditionally this piece was made from either quarter sawn white oak or cherry wood. The quarter sawn white oak has unique medullary ray fleck patterns. This pattern is a signature of the Arts & Crafts style. Cherry was also used in the Arts & Crafts style for those who wanted a little “lighter” look to the furniture.

The original Little Journeys Table is believed to be the first production piece of “knock-down” furniture.  “Knock-down” refers to use of wedge tenon joinery and a few mechanical fasteners (4) to hold the piece together.  The top is held in place with figure-8 fasteners. The intermediate shelves are held in place using wedges.

The piece is made from solid Resinous (also called gummy cherry) Cherry wood from Pennsylvania, USA.  The finish consists of 6 coats of hand rubbed satin oil-urethane.  Resinous cherry is a somewhat rare wood found in forests in the eastern part of the United States.  However, when sawmills cut into a cherry log that has the unique black and purple resin veins running through it, they will “kick” the log off the saw and use the wood for firewood.  Because of this it can be difficult for woodworkers to obtain this incredibly beautiful wood.  It seems that most people prefer to have the clear cherry wood.  There are some who have recognized the incredible beauty and character found in this domestic hardwood and offer it to their customers.

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