Oak End Table

Last summer I milled some oak lumber that was used for transporting bar stock on a semi truck (see the blog entry here). It sat in the garage for three years drying then I cut it down using the table saw and a carrier board. The results were a mixed bag, and one would expect, there was a range of quality with rift and quater-sawn pieces.

I decided to build an end table with a few goals in mind:

• Use 4/4 lumber
• No mechanical fasteners
• Traditional finish (shellac)

Using the drill-press with Forster bit, the mortises were created, chiseled square. It would be nice to have a mortising jig, but we all have to work with what we have!

The tenons were created on the tablesaw with a stacked dado. once all the pieces were cut and the joinery completed, it was dry fit together to ensure proper fit.

The bottom shelf and drawer were constructed from 1/2” (ish) oak plywood. Is it possible to get the veneer layer any thinner on this modern plywood? It’s thinner than paper, and when sanding you have to be extremely careful not to sand it all away.

The top of the drawer was covered with oak strips to conceal the plywood edges

The top was a glue-up of several smaller segments, some had knots missing. Those holes were filled with epoxy which worked quite well. The edge of the top has a breadboard finish with glue on the edges and a bit in the center to allow for expansion.

The finish is shellac, the second time I’ve used it to finish a project and the most challenging finish I have applied.. it dries so quickly.

Thanks for looking!

-Dave

-- Visit my blog at dave.spalla.com