Issue 53 April 2026

How to make a Regency Pianoforte. The wood used in this project is New Zealand Kauri. This is close grained and does not split. If this is not available, find a similar close grained wood from your region. Use 3mm thick wood throughout this project. Step 1. Making the basic carcass. Cut out A,B,C and D. Patterns and sizes on page 27. Carefully cut away the shaded portions on A and D. This can be done by making the vertical cuts with a scroll saw and the horizontal line with a sharp blade. Step 2. Cut out E. which sits behind the keyboard. Do not glue in yet. Cut out the sides (F) which are positioned at each end of the keyboard. Step 3. Keyboard. Photocopy the keyboard on page 27 and paste it onto a piece of balsa the same size and 6mm thick. Now glue the sides (F) at each end. This has to be done prior to gluing the keyboard into it’s final position. Step 4. Cut two sections for the lid, G and H. Glue together. They will fit into the gap in the top and front and hinge to the top. Frame of base: Cut 2 pieces of wood 3mm x 5mm wide and 11.7 cm long. Cut 2 pieces of wood 3mm x 5mm wide and 4.5 cm long. Glue 5 mm wood around the base with the side pieces glued between the front and back. The top of the base should be level with the top of the frame. All major pieces cut and sealed with a coat of Shellac. You could use polyurethane instead. G H Don’t glue these pieces in yet but E and the keyboard fit together like this, before the top goes on. 26 Miniature Time Traveller Step 5. Base with legs. Base: Cut a piece of wood 3mm thick 11.2 cm x 4.5 cm. Final posiƟon of legs under base.