This is the first piece of actual furniture I've made. I made this 18in x 18in x 20.5inH bedside table for my friend in assisted living. I used black Walnut and a really white wood that might be maple or elm that I salvaged from a hardwood equipment pallet. It mimics the walnut/sapwood contrast. I didn't have enough Walnut boards with sapwood and then it hit me to mimic it. I mixed old and new construction techniques. The ends of the top are bread board with draw bored tapered poplar pegs. You can see how I made the legs in the one photo. I was very selective about the boards for the legs and rails to have some sort of figure. I connected the legs to the rails with a combination of machine and hand cut mortise and tenon and draw bored tapered poplar pins. My first wood working experience was a 2007 week long timberframe workshop. I've learned all of my basic wood working skills through timberframeing. I used General Finish EF High Performance Water based polyurethane in Gloss for a finish. I used Kreg pocket screws to attach the base to the top.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16191/Table1.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16191/Table2.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16191/Table4.jpg)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/16191/Table3.jpg)
It looks very nice
Holy Smolly! Looks awesome! ;D smiley_thumbsup
Nice work Brad, looks very nice ;D
Brad,
Looks great! Are you planning on putting some furniture buttons on the bottom of the legs? That will help prevent them from getting split when someone slides it around. Those legs look pretty stout. The only thing I would have done different is either eliminate the 1/2" (?) square block on the inside of the legs (you have plenty of glue surface to hold everything together, IMO) or used a triangle profile with only glue, no screws.
Love the contrast in the wood and the great figure.
I agree with you ljohnsaw. In retrospect, I would have done one of your two suggestions. They are 3/4 x 3/4. They aren't really noticeable with the table upright. I'm surprised you spotted that. I could always redo that later, but I have to get the table to my friend now though as I've been talking about it for too long and he wants it. You know I couldn't just go quick and easy, I had to build a nice table. I considered adding buttons, but the table is going on carpet right now, and I decided it's not necessary. If it ever goes on a hard surface, I would add buttons for sure.
The pics don't do the figure justice. Each rail has a different feature. One has nice knot in the middle, one has a pattern like the rings of Saturn, and 2 have flame figure. 6 of the 8 legs have interesting patterns too.
A lot of thought went into the design of that table. You did good Brad. :)
looks great!!
Ed
nicely done, Brad.
Nice table. I wished I were that talented. I tried to make a simple birdhouse for my wife once. Probably about 18" square. 3 trips to town and 100.00 later I gave up. That is a nice table and the thought of giving it to someone in need is very nice of you.
That's nice Brad. :) $300.00
Looks great. I love to mix contrasting woods on projects. That banding around the top may give you some problems with seasonal humidity changes expanding and contracting the walnut top.
I like it!
Nice work!
It has to be a very satisfied and proud feeling to have made your first furniture project. It is skill that many people do not have.
Thanks guys. I'm not really into making furniture per say, mostly into timber framing, but I want to do well in whatever I dedicide to do. Regarding expansion of the top - Even though the pegs are draw bored in the direction with the grain, I slotted 3 of the 4 pegs of the breadboard'd ends in the direction perpendicular to the grain direction. So it should be able to expand without damaging anything.
I post in hopes of inspiring someone else's project or giving some ideas.
I'll have to give you an A+ on your design and craftsmanship.
I love the contrast too and actually been wanting to build a 18' hand rail with walnut and either ash or maple.
Our woodworking shops look simular by the way. I have a tractor parked in mine too. :D
Being able to do fine furniture joinery and timber joinery puts you in a special league. Nice work Brad.
You done good Brad. I like that table a lot and your choice in contrasting wood colors
That table displays some fine craftsmanship! Well done 8)
I am sure that you friend is very proud. Nice work. :)
Very nice, I showed it to my wife and now guess what she wants :D. I told her she's just gonna have to remarry to one of you guys with talent.