The story of a log, a slab and a table

[RichardA]

Oh good, cause going to 12 x 12 would take away it's human characteristic's. And it's so mindful for me.  

[Mark J]

What are you thinking for joinery to attach the legs? 

The Dec FWW mag had an article about using threaded rod "dowels" and epoxy for a similar piece.  

[Bmac]

I'm going to do some aprons and attach the legs that way. I'm looking at different ways to configure the apron rails. 

[wtnhighlander]

2 hours ago, Bmac said:

I'm going to do some aprons and attach the legs that way. I'm looking at different ways to configure the apron rails. 

To float, or not to float ... that is the question.

[Bmac]

1 hour ago, wtnhighlander said:

To float, or not to float ... that is the question.

Well if by float you mean using figure 8's or slots with hold downs yes, that's the plan with the legs and apron. But I do plan to have the apron up against the bottom of the table top. I won't "float" the top above the rails. 

In the end it won't matter much what I do esthetically, it will be a low table, about 13" off the floor so you won't see much below it. I do want people to notice the legs and how they project from under the table, and since they have a curve I want them to slightly project from the "corners" of the oval table. This will mean a 45 or similar degree angle for the joint surface of the apron(s).

[Coop]

That’s going to be a bugger configuring aprons with the legs in those positions. 

[Bmac]

As the story of this little table continues, it's on to the legs and aprons. As I mentioned in the opening chapter, the highlight of this piece is clearly the top. The bottom support will not be easily visible, so the idea is to have a subtle leg and apron structuce that allows the top to be all it can be. In determining leg position in an oval table you can put them on the ends and the sides of the table or you can put them on the "corners". When I say "corners" I'm referring to where the corners used to be. I find doing a traditional leg structure at the corners of an oval table tricky, it's hard to get it to look right, but since this table is not a long oval, really an oblong circle, I didn't like the look of the legs on the ends and sides. I was really stuck with using the "corners". One problem with this is if you use straight legs the structure to support the table is usually a lot smaller that the actual table, since the corners you are using have been effectively cut off. So this moves the legs more to the center of the underside of the table. So..... to get a relatively nice look I angled my legs so the aprons meet them at a 45 degree angle and I put a curve into the leg to increase the size of the footprint to help stabilize the table.

So here is what I've come up with, the legs project out from under the table and since they are positioned/angled the way they are they basically end up at the "corners" of the oval table;

Joinery is slightly tricky here, but the domino can make you look like a hero. I've had the domino for a few years, slowly starting to use it more and more, boy it is super useful and has allowed me to be more creative. So with this joint I had to offset the position of the domino in the leg, but I couldn't change the position much in the apron because I'd blow out the side of the apron with the domino. Of course I could shorten the mortise in the apron, but then I'm giving up some strength. Since this apron is tucked pretty far under the table I decided to leave the aprons offset;

Here are the two different positions of the apron dry fit, really not a big deal, at least with my eye;

And finally here is the table sitting on the leg structure, I like the way the legs come out from under the table;

So I'm very close to wrapping this up, need to put a bevel on the underside of the table top, glue up the base, sand and finish.

Thanks for following along.

 

 

[wtnhighlander]

@Bmac, I like the curved legs you chose, and the structure works well. You didn't mention using a pedestal, though. Just wondering if you considered that option, and if so, what factored against it?

[RichardA]

5 hours ago, Bmac said:

As the story of this little table continues, it's on to the legs and aprons. As I mentioned in the opening chapter, the highlight of this piece is clearly the top. The bottom support will not be easily visible, so the idea is to have a subtle leg and apron structuce that allows the top to be all it can be. In determining leg position in an oval table you can put them on the ends and the sides of the table or you can put them on the "corners". When I say "corners" I'm referring to where the corners used to be. I find doing a traditional leg structure at the corners of an oval table tricky, it's hard to get it to look right, but since this table is not a long oval, really an oblong circle, I didn't like the look of the legs on the ends and sides. I was really stuck with using the "corners". One problem with this is if you use straight legs the structure to support the table is usually a lot smaller that the actual table, since the corners you are using have been effectively cut off. So this moves the legs more to the center of the underside of the table. So..... to get a relatively nice look I angled my legs so the aprons meet them at a 45 degree angle and I put a curve into the leg to increase the size of the footprint to help stabilize the table.

So here is what I've come up with, the legs project out from under the table and since they are positioned/angled the way they are they basically end up at the "corners" of the oval table;

Joinery is slightly tricky here, but the domino can make you look like a hero. I've had the domino for a few years, slowly starting to use it more and more, boy it is super useful and has allowed me to be more creative. So with this joint I had to offset the position of the domino in the leg, but I couldn't change the position much in the apron because I'd blow out the side of the apron with the domino. Of course I could shorten the mortise in the apron, but then I'm giving up some strength. Since this apron is tucked pretty far under the table I decided to leave the aprons offset;

Here are the two different positions of the apron dry fit, really not a big deal, at least with my eye;

And finally here is the table sitting on the leg structure, I like the way the legs come out from under the table;

So I'm very close to wrapping this up, need to put a bevel on the underside of the table top, glue up the base, sand and finish.

Thanks for following along.

 

 

Here comes a dirty old man!   The top brings back many wonderful memories, and the spread of those legs, well they just enhance the  memory.   Thank you for that, I've really enjoyed this ride and the trip to my youth.

[Chet]

I like the out come.  The top looks like it will be fun to get finish on it.

It's kind of hard t tell but I am guessing the "feet" end of the legs are under the edge or drip line of the table top.

[Bmac]

2 hours ago, Chet said:

It's kind of hard t tell but I am guessing the "feet" end of the legs are under the edge or drip line of the table top.

Exactly, the legs are at the drip line of the table, perfect way to put it.

4 hours ago, wtnhighlander said:

@Bmac, I like the curved legs you chose, and the structure works well. You didn't mention using a pedestal, though. Just wondering if you considered that option, and if so, what factored against it?

So the way Chet put it is what I was shooting for, gives the table a lot of stability. It's a coffee table so you don't want it to be tippy.

[Bmac]

Well we've reached the final chapter and after a few coats of Osmo, which I'm using a lot more and really liking, the story of the log that became a table is over. If you've followed up to this point you are probably interested in how the table turned out, well I'd say I'm very pleased. I know @RichardA has enjoyed this story, but I am beginning to wonder where his mind goes sometimes!

Here's the table with the chairs in a MCM sitting area. Great place to read or enjoy a cigar and scotch, if you are in to those things and your wife lets you smoke in the house. The table fits perfectly and the little end table between the two chairs was something I put together while building the V table;

So in this pic you can see what I've been working on for the past few months. First the chairs, then they went to the upholstery shop. Then the bookcase to go with the chairs. After that it was supposed to be just one table but that turned into two, and now I've got a complete set of what I consider to be nice MCM pieces after I purchased the lamp.

Here's a money shot of the figure on the table top, control yourself @RichardA;

And finally a pic of the small end table between the chairs. I really should post a build on this one. I plan to make more, as I found the design I came up with to have a nice flow and look to it, but it also was not a very hard project and used a minimal amount of wood. I also think you could change the size rather easily;

To me this is the essence of what I love so much about woodworking. It's not just finding the right plan/project or buying the right tool, it's so much more than that. It's going out into the woods and harvesting what God has created. The process from tree to log to board and finally to project is a special process that I enjoy as each part unfolds (unless I buy from Spanky). It makes the pieces more meaningful and special. A lot of work goes into just getting the lumber in the shop. The piece I used for the top of the table was a piece that from the time I saw it 3 years ago to the time I finished the table was a piece that I knew would yield a unique and beautiful result. The wood God created here is the real treasure and I just feel blessed to be part of the process.

Well I didn't mean to get sentimental, but this is a story and I wanted a proper ending.

[wtnhighlander]

Well done, @Bmac! Well done!

[Chestnut]

Wow that's a great room that you have put together. It looks like it's an enjoyable spot with some fantastic looking furniture.

[curlyoak]

Your work always amazes me. Also the narrative and the way you present the pictures is pleasing. Worthy of publishing. And you found the perfect application of the beautiful wood. Thanks!

[Mark J]

I actually like the little afterthought table even better.

Your narrative gives new meaning to the expression "I saw a tree".

[RichardA]

Control isn't necessary, it was nothing more than fun. You do beautiful work, and I love seeing how you harmonize your thoughts to the project.  I thank you for each and every ride you take us on. You're a joy to follow.

[Dave H]

Beautiful table @Bmac I enjoyed this build you do outstanding work and your workmanship is inspiring! But this build seemed to drag on too long, you could have built a kayak in this length of time. No when you start a project the speed that you work is impressive, can't wait to see what you come up with next. 

[Chet]

6 hours ago, Bmac said:

The wood God created here is the real treasure and I just feel blessed to be part of the process.

Amen brother.

The tables are both pretty cool projects.  

I wish I had more ability to see a project in a piece of wood.  I usually end up the other way around, having a project and trying to find the right piece to match it.

[Coop]

Bmac, very well done! I love the whole setting!

[pkinneb]

Great job Bmac!!

[treeslayer]

Perfect execution of the style all around @Bmac and beautiful work, you really did that slab justice!

[JohnG]

On 1/25/2021 at 6:14 AM, Bmac said:

Well we've reached the final chapter and after a few coats of Osmo, which I'm using a lot more and really liking, the story of the log that became a table is over. If you've followed up to this point you are probably interested in how the table turned out, well I'd say I'm very pleased. I know @RichardA has enjoyed this story, but I am beginning to wonder where his mind goes sometimes!

Here's the table with the chairs in a MCM sitting area. Great place to read or enjoy a cigar and scotch, if you are in to those things and your wife lets you smoke in the house. The table fits perfectly and the little end table between the two chairs was something I put together while building the V table;

So in this pic you can see what I've been working on for the past few months. First the chairs, then they went to the upholstery shop. Then the bookcase to go with the chairs. After that it was supposed to be just one table but that turned into two, and now I've got a complete set of what I consider to be nice MCM pieces after I purchased the lamp.

Here's a money shot of the figure on the table top, control yourself @RichardA;

And finally a pic of the small end table between the chairs. I really should post a build on this one. I plan to make more, as I found the design I came up with to have a nice flow and look to it, but it also was not a very hard project and used a minimal amount of wood. I also think you could change the size rather easily;

To me this is the essence of what I love so much about woodworking. It's not just finding the right plan/project or buying the right tool, it's so much more than that. It's going out into the woods and harvesting what God has created. The process from tree to log to board and finally to project is a special process that I enjoy as each part unfolds (unless I buy from Spanky). It makes the pieces more meaningful and special. A lot of work goes into just getting the lumber in the shop. The piece I used for the top of the table was a piece that from the time I saw it 3 years ago to the time I finished the table was a piece that I knew would yield a unique and beautiful result. The wood God created here is the real treasure and I just feel blessed to be part of the process.

Well I didn't mean to get sentimental, but this is a story and I wanted a proper ending.

I typically never quote a full post if it’s longer than a couple sentences, but I’m making an exception here.
This post fully embodies what I think is the essence of being a hobby woodworker and is what I aspire to become. To be clear, I am not using “hobby” in any relation to your skill level, as it is obviously superb quality, but rather in the sense that you are building for yourself and not to make a living. To be able to start with a tree (or a few trees) and end up with a matching set of furniture, where each piece is stunning on its own and breathtaking all together as a set (come on @Bmac, we want to see a lamp build before long!) is truly inspiring. 
 

[Bmac]

Thank you @JohnG and the others who enjoyed this "story" for the kind words. Having a forum to show your ideas and your work inspires not just those observing but can inspire those doing the work. This forum has inspired me in my woodworking journey both ways, when I post a project and when others post projects. 

I am in an unique place with my woodworking as I create not for a living or even need, but for the joy of it. I realize how fortunate of a place that is. 

[Chet]

6 hours ago, Bmac said:

This forum has inspired me in my woodworking journey

I feel the same way.  Being part of this forum has moved my woodworking comfort zone to a whole other zip code.