The New Tory Workshop

Hi, I'm Steve Abram - welcome to The New Tory Workshop. On today's show we will be building the Great Canadian Cabinet, better known up here by its French name, the armoire. It is an incredibly versatile piece, a true entertainment unit, since, in addition to all the regular bells and whistles, it also boasts a nifty pull-out game surface, perfect for those impromptu games of chess, air hockey, or poker. Perhaps when you see a neighborhood poker game being played out on a disreputable table, you'll be as inspired as I was to build your own. The cabinet will be built of solid maple, beautifully accented with wood inlay from all the Canadian provinces except PEI - I heard they burned their bridges or something, and need all the lumber they can get their hands on to rebuild 'em. It will be finished in clear shellac, with an oil-based varnish topcoat. The clean uncluttered lines of this piece make it highly functional, but this spareness of design is nicely complimented by special features like the secret compartment and the hidden drawer, which are, as it turns out, highly popular in Canada. This fine piece of furniture is sure to become a real conversation starter and a true family heirloom.


h/t Norm Abram for the 'disreputable table' quote, AC,
and inspiration from Steve and all the bloggers - especially those linked above - to join the debate.