How to Build a Thomas Molesworth Cowboy Sideboard

Molesworth style cowboy furniture is becoming increasingly popular. Based on the work of furniture designer Thomas C. Molesworth, who lived from 1890 to 1977, this rustic looking ranch-style furniture features frames made of exposed logs and panels, called sideboards, and feature Native American designs and other themes of the American West. Molesworth's work in particular often features animal silhouettes, sometimes in romanticized settings and sometimes in humorous situations. To make a Molesworth style cowboy sideboard, you need to be able to use a router safely.

Table saw
3/4-inch thick pine wood panel
Carbon paper
Masking tape
Safety goggles
Ear plugs
Router
Wood carving tools
1/4 sheet power sander
Coarse, medium and fine grit sandpaper
Sanding block
Cotton blend shop rags
Dark wood stain
Bag of cheesecloth rags
Polyurethane wood finish

Instructions

- 1
  Draw the panel design on a sheet of paper the size of your panel. If you need inspiration, you can consult your local library for clipart books containing animal or Native American designs. You can also search websites like karenswhimsy.com and craftsmanspace.com for animal silhouettes. Websites like buckagram.com and speedgraphics.com feature Native American designs.
- 2
  Tape carbon paper to the back of your drawing with masking tape loops. Place the drawing onto the pine wood panel with the drawing facing up. Tape it to the panel with masking tape strips.
- 3
  Put on your safety goggles and ear protection. Cut the pinewood panel to the desired size on the table saw.
- 4
  Transfer the drawing to the wood by tracing it with a pencil. Use medium pressure when tracing to avoid damaging the wood. Remove the drawing.
- 5
  Set the router to a depth of 1/8 inch. Using slow, even motions, trace the design's outline with your router. Whittle out the rest of the panel with the router, taking one pass at a time. Hand carve any detail the router cannot reach with the wood carving tools.
- 6
  Sand the panel with coarse-grain sandpaper, then medium-grain and fine-grain. Use the power sander for the larger areas. Sand those areas the power sander cannot reach by hand. Wipe off the sawdust with clean shop rags between passes.
- 7
  Apply dark wood stain to the panel's routered areas with cheesecloth. Be careful to avoid the raised areas. Let the stain dry completely. Sand off the raised fibers with fine-grit paper.
- 8
  Apply a second coat of stain. When the stain is completely dry, cover the entire panel with a coat of polyurethane wood finish.

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