| Blog series by Al Navas | updated 02-07-2009 03:59 PM | 8 parts | 39934 reads | 22 comments total |
Part 1: Preparing the boards
From my blog: Now I start the full-size conference table for a client. This table will be 2X the size of this one I shared here, and submitted to the Winter 2009 Woodworking Awards: But I will change the edge treatment as follows: I want to be able do preliminary grain matching, before cutting the boards closer to size. Since at this stage I am not flattening the boards, the #3 is perfect and fast for the job: Rough boards are not perfectly flat, so my planing stop did...
Part 2: The full-size table: Gluing up the top
My thanks to all who read and looked at the beginning of the build of the full-size table. Now I continue, with the glue-up of the boards that will make up the table top. The top will be 1-1/2 inches thick, 30 inches wide, and 60 inches long. At this stage the boards are a little thicker than 1-5/8”. From my blog: After prepping the boards that will make up the table top, it is now time to glue them up. Due to their sheer size, I do this in stages, two boards at a time. Doing i...
Part 3: The top is ready for sanding
From my blog: Whew! Today was time to glue up the two halves of the table top. I trimmed each of the two halves on the table saw, using the crosscut sled. Leaving each half slightly over final length, I tackled the glue-up. Sandy came to the shop to lend a hand, as I did not want clamps moving and lumber falling to the floor. Three hours late I removed the clamps, scraped the dry glue, and completed preparations for sanding tomorrow. I will drop off this panel at my friend’s shop...
Part 4: The top is ready for finish
From my blog: Progress! The table top is back, cut to final length, and sanded (sorry, no chance to take photos of my friend’s amazing shop). I beveled the edges, using a table edge bit for the topside, and a small, 1/8-inch roundover for the bottom side. Routing the top bevel free-hand requires much care and concentration, as this bit is large: The bevel profile: I am very pleased with the overall appearance of this table top. The bevel will provide a much bett...
Part 5: Glue-ups, surface flatness, anxiety, and 100X-200X magnification
On a previous post, on another forum, my friend rhino commented that removing the glue prematurely will lead to starving of the glue line. He was right, of course. nd I have photo evidence. Please read on. From my blog: I truly must stop reading Christopher Schwarz’s blog. First, it cost me $20 for the first copy of the EyeClops. Once I learned what a terrific “toy” it is, I bought another one (this one for $28, as the price went up) for use by our granddaughters. ...
Part 6: Start applying the finish to the top, and set up legs and aprons
I continue work. For the upcoming several days I will continue applying the finish to the top; today I started applying the Zinsser Seal Coat (shellac) to the underside. And work started on setting up for cutting tenons on the aprons, and mortises on the legs. From my blog: Sometimes, decisions are tough. For example, to start the work day today, I debated whether to start applying the Zinsser Seal Coat to the table top as it lay on the workbench, or take into the finishing room. The...
Part 7: Apply varnish to the top, and more on the legs and aprons
From my blog: Where I was a while ago: Application of the Zinsser SealCoat™ (an alcohol-based, wax-free sanding sealer) went well. The secret: Apply very thin coats with a lint-free rag, wiping as you go. Wait a minimum of 2 hours, then sand with 400 grit sandpaper, until smooth to the touch – but don’t sand all the way to the wood. Repeat once. Today: 1) Time to apply the first coat of Target Coatings’ EM2000wvx waterborne alkyd varnish: Also today: 2) I fine-tuned the mor...
Part 8: Finish the underside of the top, and get walnut ready for the legs
From my blog - Friday's work: After applying four layers of the Target Coatings’ EM2000wvx topcoat to the underside of the table, it feels like it might be done. However, before turning over the top, to complete the finish on the top side, I will check it again tomorrow morning (Saturday), and decide then. Today I sanded lightly but thoroughly between each application of the topcoat. It paid off, as the fourth and final application today resulted in a wonderfully smooth surface. In the ...
