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For twenty five years, I made furniture to sell at fairs, shows and for commissions to private clients. Now I make furniture for the houses I stage as a real estate agent. Sometimes, I sell these pieces to people who view the house. In staging, it is important to have furniture that is balanced with the space, which can be small. I made this table for one of those properties. I had some maple off cuts that I wanted to use, but never had the right project.



Maple and walnut (both green based wood) are a marriage made in heaven. I bought some walnut and glued the maple to the walnut to create the sides. The base was also walnut. To create interest, I made a form and cut 3/16" by 4" strips of maple and walnut to create a bent laminate.


Since the table was small, I had the chance to use a piece of plywood with my centered laminate to cut my edges at a 90" for a good joint on the table saw.



The end was then recessed into a mortise created in the side. Then using my grinder and sander, I revealed the layers of the laminate.


Then just added a finish and the glass top. There you go. It is a nice focal point for a small room and before too long, it will be gone…

Cheers, Cathy

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Cathy, of. course this has a great look and your trademark sense of curve and space is spot on as always. You are right. Figured walnut and figured maple are a beautiful match. Your work here and elsewhere lets the wood speak for itself, and the rustic touches add to the look and stand nicely in contrast to the carefully crafted arch. What a wonderful design.

I presume the board that is directly on the floor is part of your table to give the heavy glass top a proper balance. Did I get that right, or is it just to protect the floor while you worked on the project?
 

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Amazing and beautiful.
 

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Very unordinary coffee table (in good sense). Execution is superb!

First thought: Hmm, reversible top coffee table… :)))
 

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That turned out beautiful.
 

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Beautiful, well thought out, great build…
 

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Thank you guys. I had those pieces of maple for at least 20 years, just taking up space. I sure did like the natural edge. Yes, Al, laid a piece of plywood on the garage floor to avoid getting any finish on the floor.




It is a simple table, but the wood is wonderful. The glass top gives it function, when really it's all about the wood.

Have a great day…
 

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Cathy,

Met Tom Hucker a few years ago at a workshop he did on design.

The piece is designed for the person and the space.

Looking great! Wow Piece!
 

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Good afternoon Doc. I hope your doing well. I have a break right now from real estate. It's the first time in two years that I have had a whole week off. It is lovely to finally get back in the shop. My new lathe finally arrived on Tuesday. I waited for months. It is a Jet 1840. Overall, it is simple, few bells and whistles _perfect!

Next week, I am going to Washington, DC to visit my son. I plan to leave Hawaii (after 39 years) next year and go back to Maryland. Then comes the question of which tools to ship and which to sell. I called Woodcraft in Rockville, MD. It probably makes sense to replace what I can. Although, I will never give up my General double drum sander. There's a crate, I am happy to construct.

Have a great day!!
 

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I'm new to Lumber Jocks, and I've just starting looking around at the projects of others… holy cow, is this beautiful, inventive, and perfect!
 

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Hi Van. Welcome to Lumberjocks. This is an amazing group of wood workers. Many of your friends might fade a little when you discuss a project, but at Lumberjocks there are always new friends who love talking about wood, joints, finishes, techniques, etc….. It sure is exciting to see pieces you will never see in person. The first time I saw some of Benji's work, I was absolutely blown away. He is amazing! I have met so many talented people on this site.
Lumberjocks will be a catalyst to expand your skills and stretch your creative energy. Welcome Aboard….

Cathy
 

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That is an interesting design/ I am drawn to the subtle carvings you put into the curved brace.
 

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Nice work and unique design!

If you are as good at real estate as you are at woodworking, you must be a very wealthy lady. I was looking through your projects and you do beautiful work.
 

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Hi John. Wealthy, no way. Ironically, I work like a rented mule for my listings by painting, stripping wallpaper, fixing flaws in the walls with new drywall, tearing out the kitchen and bathrooms, laying new tile coordinating a team including electricians, plumbers, masons, the flooring guys, to get the place in top shape. I don't charge for my physical labor, I do get repaid for supplies. Here's why: when I became an agent, I was pretty shocked by how much people in this industry get paid. I make more in two sales than I ever did working 60-70 hours a week as a woodworker. I made a decision, I will work hard to get my seller top dollar. They know the place is completely transformed by my efforts and topped off with my staging. Then I feel I have actually earned the money at the end of the sale.
I can never be idle, when I am not in the shop, I am improving someone's home. It is pretty special for me to have a break this week. So I rearranged my shop and have already decided on my next project: another koa bench with a curved back. I'm pretty excited about this bench. I already have the wood. The fun starts tomorrow. Cheers, Cathy
 
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