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Building a Live Edge Walnut Table with Doug Fir 3x3 legs

Started by firefighter ontheside, July 25, 2021, 02:37:30 PM

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firefighter ontheside

I started building this last week.  The top is 42"x60" and about 1 5/8" thick.  This will be the first table top like this that I've built from wood I milled and dried.  The legs will be made from 4x4 Doug fir from Menards.  I will mill down to about 3 1/4" to get straight and flat.  It will be a trestle style leg set.  I thought long and hard about what type of joinery to use.  I've settled on half laps where logs intersect and then where one piece ends at another, I will just make a 3/4" thick dado that the other piece will fit into, but it will not be mortise and tenon.  I will glue and then screw from the other side with some holes that will be plugged.  The buyer will be painting white.  I'm going to suggest they use some Kilz primer to make sure sap doesn't bleed thru.  I've always used card scraper to remove glue from the joint and to level the pieces, but I decided to try this Stanley #80 scraper plane I've had for a while and it is now my go to for cleaning glue joints.  Its easy to use and to sharpen.

 

 

 

 
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
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2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
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1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

Andries

Quote from: firefighter ontheside on July 25, 2021, 02:37:30 PM. . . The buyer will be painting white. . . 
Nice work - loving that walnut top!
.
As to the customers wanting to paint the wood . . . man, I hope that's intended for the legs only.
Wanting to paint the walnut top would lead me to telling them to go to Ikea for a table.
Good thing I'm not a customer service rep. somewhere, right? 😆
LT40G25
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firefighter ontheside

Thanks.  Indeed they are only painting the legs.  I will be finishing the top with about 6 coats of oil based poly.  The doug fir was bought because it was cheap, when nicely planed it looks nice in itself.  I think it would look really nice with clear finish too.  
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
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2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

DWyatt

Kudos to you for working on a top that size. I did a kitchen island for a friend of mine a few months back that was basically that size out of hard maple and it's a nightmare moving those things around! On the island top, I did what I believe I had read from @WDH where he puts a large sweeping radius on the end of large tables rather than leaving it as a straight cut. It just added the perfect touch to an otherwise massive piece of wood. 

There is a special enjoyment that comes with building with wood you mill and dry yourself. It has taught me how to be a better sawyer and kiln operator. I look forward to seeing the final result.

firefighter ontheside

Thanks.  That's a nice idea about making a slight arc instead of a straight edge.  Maybe next time.  Next time will be pretty soon.  My jointer was giving me some trouble when I first started jointing these slabs.  I ended up changing knives, which of course makes me reset all the tables.  It worked like a charm and I had them all straight within 10 minutes after the hours spent changing knives.  One of the biggest things that helped was that I waxed the beds and the fence.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

firefighter ontheside

I plan to have this table done this week.  I just need to finish up with the legs and that is almost done.  Then I will put a coat of primer on legs so buyer can paint white.  Then about 6 coats of poly on top.

 

 
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

Old Greenhorn

Wow, that looks SO nice! Pretty joinery. Wish I could approach that someday.
Tom Lindtveit, Woodsman Forest Products
Oscar 328 Band Mill, Husky 350, 450, 562, & 372 (Clone), Mule 3010, and too many hand tools. :) Retired and trying to make a living to stay that way. NYLT Certified.
OK, maybe I'm the woodcutter now.
I work with wood, There is a rumor I might be a woodworker.

firefighter ontheside

Thanks, Tom.  What I'm doing is not too difficult.  Instead of M&T i just made dadoes with the dado blade and then used glue and some big lag bolts from the other side to pull the joint together.  I put the lag in a 1 1/4 hole drilled with a forstner bit and then made plugs to cover up the heads.  On the trestle piece I made a half lap joint.  It will be a very sturdy table.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

Crusarius

I would not put any primer on anything. I would let them see it as is and then if they still decide to paint it let them do it.

I really dislike ppl that paint nice looking wood.

firefighter ontheside

Yeah, the walnut will look good with the doug fir, but the poplar that I used for stretchers on the side of the table base will not look good with it.  Now, if it were my table it would be different.  There are a few spots on these pieces that are a little sappy too.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

Crusarius


firefighter ontheside

No, its not a romantic love story where two legs find each other and its love at first sight.  A couple pitch pockets had some sap seeping out.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

WDH

Woodmizer LT40HDD35, John Deere 2155, Kubota M5-111, Kubota L2501, Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln, and a passion for all things with leafs, twigs, and bark.  hamsleyhardwood.com

firefighter ontheside

Thanks, Danny.  I can't take full credit as I'm copying a picture my customer gave me.  The joinery method is all my own as the picture had painted legs and you couldn't see what was going on.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

charles mann

That looks fantastic. Great workmanship. I agree, let the customer see the fir unpainted, and maybe take a scrap piece and oil it down and show them what it would like. 
Again, great workmanship. 
Temple, Tx
Fire Fighting and Heavy Lift Helicopter Mech
Helicopter and Fixed Wing Pilot

firefighter ontheside

Thanks, guys.  I will mention it to them, but I'm pretty sure they're adamant about the paint.  I think the walnut will look good with the white painted base, so I'm not too concerned about it.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

firefighter ontheside

Legs are done for my part.  The last thing I added was the diagonals.  They were not necessary for strenght, but it was the look they wanted.  I put a coat of Kilz on the legs.  They definitely wanted it to be white.  I hate finishing, but I do love when oil based poly goes on walnut.  That is the bottom of the table top.  I will do 2 coats on bottom just to seal it and then flip it over and do about 6 coats.


 

 
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

WDH

Putting poly on with a rag, paint brush, foam pad, spray?
Woodmizer LT40HDD35, John Deere 2155, Kubota M5-111, Kubota L2501, Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln, and a passion for all things with leafs, twigs, and bark.  hamsleyhardwood.com

doc henderson

the white will make the Walnut "pop".  the white base, nay be easier to touch up from people banging chairs into it ect.  give the what they want, as long as they do not change their mind.  
Timber king 2000, 277c track loader, PJ 32 foot gooseneck, 1976 F700 state dump truck, JD 850 tractor.  2007 Chevy 3500HD dually, home built log splitter 18 horse 28 gpm with 5 inch cylinder and 32 inch split range with conveyor powered by a 12 volt tarp motor

firefighter ontheside

I use foam brushes for putting on oil based poly.  They do a nice job, dont leave strokes and are cheap enough that it costs more to clean them than they are worth.  I cut off the handles which are little pieces of 1/2" dowel to use at a later date.  I can spray it, but I hate cleaning my gun after spraying oil based products.  Also, I have to spray in the garage or outdoors and as long as it takes to dry I would get bugs, dust, pine needles, you name it in the finish.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

WDH

Try the General Finishes water based topcoat.  It is a water based poly and is very user friendly.  Sprays very well undiluted and an easy cleanup. 
Woodmizer LT40HDD35, John Deere 2155, Kubota M5-111, Kubota L2501, Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln, and a passion for all things with leafs, twigs, and bark.  hamsleyhardwood.com

firefighter ontheside

Have you used it on a dining table where it will be exposed to water and cups?  I've yet to use a water based finish that I trust for a dining table.  With abot 6 coats of oil based, I can leave a sweating cup on the table and it not stain.  

While sanding the cut ends of table top to get ready for finishing I found a bullet.  I'm gonna ask the customer, but what do you all think?  Conversation piece or remove it and fill the hole?

 
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

Old Greenhorn

No doubt, you HAVE to leave it in and add 5% on the price for getting it to show. :D
 Yeah, I have never tried water base on anything that will either see high humidity or liquid spills. I don't have that kind of courage. ;D ;D
 That walnut is killer stuff with the finish on it!
Tom Lindtveit, Woodsman Forest Products
Oscar 328 Band Mill, Husky 350, 450, 562, & 372 (Clone), Mule 3010, and too many hand tools. :) Retired and trying to make a living to stay that way. NYLT Certified.
OK, maybe I'm the woodcutter now.
I work with wood, There is a rumor I might be a woodworker.

firefighter ontheside

I texted my customer, who happens to be a firefighter that I worked with for many years, but he moved on to another department.  He agreed that leaving it in there would be neat, so it stays.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

doc henderson

i have used the general wipe on/brush on and wipe off finish.  less amber color.  if I use spar poly, I often brush a few coats to fill the grain,  sand with 320, then spray the same from a can and get that final flat top finish.  
Timber king 2000, 277c track loader, PJ 32 foot gooseneck, 1976 F700 state dump truck, JD 850 tractor.  2007 Chevy 3500HD dually, home built log splitter 18 horse 28 gpm with 5 inch cylinder and 32 inch split range with conveyor powered by a 12 volt tarp motor

terrifictimbersllc

Quote from: firefighter ontheside on July 25, 2021, 03:36:37 PM
Thanks.  Indeed they are only painting the legs.  I will be finishing the top with about 6 coats of oil based poly.  The doug fir was bought because it was cheap, when nicely planed it looks nice in itself.  I think it would look really nice with clear finish too.  
Minwax poly will probably take those fir legs quite dark toward the walnut appearance .  What the customers want but maybe show them the look on a piece  beforehand.

The traditional poly not water based one.
DJ Hoover, Terrific Timbers LLC,  Mystic CT Woodmizer Million Board Foot Club member. 2019 LT70 Super Wide 55 Yanmar,  LogRite fetching arch, WM BMS250 sharpener/BMT250 setter.  2001 F350 7.3L PSD 6 spd manual ZF 4x4 Crew Cab Long Bed

firefighter ontheside

The legs are primed white.  Yes, the oil poly would darken the fir a bit.  
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

Tom King

Looks great!!!   

Some time, try Target Coatings EM-8000CV with 5% crosslinker.   

If you subscribe to Target Coatings email list, you get all sorts of discount offers.  Just today, there was a 30% one.

One of the finishing experts on one of my woodworking forums just posted results of tests with glass with water, and Bourbon rings left on it, and it was pretty impressive.

On Walnut, for wipe-on, I'm partial to Arm-R-Seal.

firefighter ontheside

Thanks,Tom.  I think I did use that on one table.  We bought it to finish the chairs we made for my mom and dad.  There was a lot of it left, so I used it on a table and I did add the crosslinker.  I have to ask that customer if they have had any problem with spills on the table.  The problem I have with it is that it doesn't darken walnut the way I like.  I also use a lot of the Target EM6000 laquers.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

firefighter ontheside

The top is done.  5 coats of poly.  I may or may not sand it with 800 and then wax it.  I'll decide tomorrow morning when I look at it.  I think I'm probably gonna leave it though.


 
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

AK Newbie

LT28, Logosol M7, Husky 385XP, Stihl MS 250, Echo

Tom King

That will be enjoyed by generations.  Be sure to sign, and date it underneath, where it's not hard to see.

metalspinner

I do what the little voices in my wife's head tell me to do.

firefighter ontheside

Good point Tom.  I will sign it.  I always forget to do that.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

Texas Ranger

I use a branding iron to sign my projects, neat and fancy.
The Ranger, home of Texas Forestry

doc henderson

Bill, that looks like a shop where some work gets done!
Timber king 2000, 277c track loader, PJ 32 foot gooseneck, 1976 F700 state dump truck, JD 850 tractor.  2007 Chevy 3500HD dually, home built log splitter 18 horse 28 gpm with 5 inch cylinder and 32 inch split range with conveyor powered by a 12 volt tarp motor

firefighter ontheside

Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

WDH

Bill, not sure about glass rings on the water based poly.  Good question.  My suspicion is that it would dry hard and perform like oil based poly.  But, I do not know what the performance would be. 
Woodmizer LT40HDD35, John Deere 2155, Kubota M5-111, Kubota L2501, Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln, and a passion for all things with leafs, twigs, and bark.  hamsleyhardwood.com

Crusarius

I have been using polycrylic for years. I love it. Does not yellow, dries rock hard, super easy to cleanup, and smells more like mildew than anything. I have painted with it inside a small area with it all closed up with no adverse effects.

All the stuff I have sealed with it I have never noticed a glass ring. But the tops aren't really in a glass ring territory. I will have to pay closer attention and update you guys. Overall I love the product, definitely my go to instead of oil base. I hate the way oil base yellows over time.

firefighter ontheside

I use Polycrylic as well.  It's my go to poly for spraying.  I can put it right thru my HVLP without thinning and it dries quickly.  I don't use it on table tops, but I use it for everything else.  My next project is under way and I will use polycrylic on the top of it.  It's only 12" x 48" so I will likely just brush it on.  It's kind of a rustic project so brush strokes will just add to the character.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
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1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

Crusarius

I can't say I have ever had a problem with brush strokes using the polycrylic. I did learn a long time ago though you NEVER use a foam brush. It leaves bubbles everywhere.

firefighter ontheside

Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

21incher

I use Polycrylic a lot on walnut because it keeps it from fading in sunny areas. Very easy to spray if it's  not to hot. Getting  ready to build a walnut table also but looking for something that has a deeper look when rubbed out. I may try the target coating  mentioned here. Does that provide decent U V protection ? 
Bill the table looks great. 
Hudson HFE-21 on a custom trailer, Deere 4100, Kubota BX 2360, Echo CS590 & CS310, home built wood splitter, home built log arch, a logrite cant hook and a bread machine. And a Kubota Sidekick with a Defective Subaru motor.

firefighter ontheside

Their EM9300 has UV protection.  It is marketed as an exterior urethane, but it can be used indoors.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
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2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
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metalspinner

I've used polycrylic on walnut and cherry in the past and wasn't happy with it. The color of the finish isn't truly clear and I could detect a bluish tint. And, the resulting color of the wood didn't "deepen" like with an oil based product. 
But on Maple, I did like it because the color of the wood remained "white" rather than turning amber. 
I do what the little voices in my wife's head tell me to do.

firefighter ontheside

The table is done and delivered.  Happy customers.  I forgot to sign it.


 
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

metalspinner

I cAn better appreciate that it will have a painted base now. 
I do what the little voices in my wife's head tell me to do.

WDH

Woodmizer LT40HDD35, John Deere 2155, Kubota M5-111, Kubota L2501, Nyle L53 Dehumidification Kiln, and a passion for all things with leafs, twigs, and bark.  hamsleyhardwood.com

firefighter ontheside

Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

Lko67

Very nice. Wish I could get a hold of some walnut. Sawed a lot just was all for customers   :embarassed:

Old Greenhorn

Quote from: firefighter ontheside on August 18, 2021, 12:37:50 PM
The table is done and delivered.  Happy customers.  I forgot to sign it.



A Gorgeous piece of work! The paint really sets off the top (contrary to most of our initial thoughts).
Tom Lindtveit, Woodsman Forest Products
Oscar 328 Band Mill, Husky 350, 450, 562, & 372 (Clone), Mule 3010, and too many hand tools. :) Retired and trying to make a living to stay that way. NYLT Certified.
OK, maybe I'm the woodcutter now.
I work with wood, There is a rumor I might be a woodworker.

firefighter ontheside

 @Lko67 Thanks.  I am blessed with a lot of walnut here in MO.

Thanks Tom, yeah it does look good with the dark walnut against the white.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

doc henderson

accents the beauty of the walnut.  pure and simple.
Timber king 2000, 277c track loader, PJ 32 foot gooseneck, 1976 F700 state dump truck, JD 850 tractor.  2007 Chevy 3500HD dually, home built log splitter 18 horse 28 gpm with 5 inch cylinder and 32 inch split range with conveyor powered by a 12 volt tarp motor

thecfarm

Model 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79

Ron Scott

~Ron

jbjbuild

Looks great! I really like the contrast of the white with the walnut as well.
Woodmizer LT35HD, John Deere 790, Logrite Cant Hook

firefighter ontheside

Thanks @jbjbuild though I wouldn't make something like this for myself, I can see the appeal.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

Bill Gaiche

What kind of finish did you end up using? Looks great. bg

firefighter ontheside

Thanks, bg.  Its Minwax oil based satin poly.  I've had great luck with it on my personal dining tables.  With 5 coats, its impervious to water stains.
Woodmizer LT15
Kubota Grand L4200
Stihl 025, MS261 and MS362
2017 F350 Diesel 4WD
Kawasaki Mule 4010
1998 Dodge 3500 Flatbed

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