Monterey Cabinet

In the heyday of southern California’s Monterey furniture craze, Mason Manufacturing was one of the biggest players on the scene. During Prohibition, discrete bars for the home were one of the more popular items that came out of their furniture shops. And the bar you see here was one of the most prized pieces in that collection. This fold-out, tile topped design is tricked out with all the appropriate accents needed for a well-stocked bar. You’ll make most all the parts needed. From the decorative accents on the bottom of the legs up to the wings that fold out, there’s lots to do woodworkingwise on this cabinet. Also you’ll get to hone your metalworking skills by making backing plates for the pulls, metal corners, the bottle holders for the wings, some stops, and a lid stay. Alder was the wood of choice for this project, it’s the well-behaved cousin of birch. And that red finish — yum. It takes several layers to complete, but worth the effort. So set down that drink and head to the shop — well, tomorrow morning anyway.