Redwood Patio Table

[gee-dub]

Not sure I'd call this a journal but with spring coming maybe others are thinking about the outdoor life.  I wanted a semi-standard look-n-feel object that could serve as an end table, a plant stand, and who knows what LOML will think of for the back patio.  I ended up here.

This one is to go over a bottom-firing outdoor sub-woofer therefor the gap at the bottom.  There will be others of varying dimensions to serve other tasks.

I picked up some 2 x 12 redwood planks at the lumber yard.

It must be something about 'dimensional' material that makes guys go crazy with the staple gun.

I never find this stuff in my hardwoods(?).  Anyway, break down some blanks, joint, plane, resaw, plane . . .

Rip to width.

Crosscut to length.  For anyone who cares how I batch milled blanks . . . Set up a stop block.  I have a few options and choose them based on what I'm doing.  For this light weight material I will forgo the 1-2-3 block and magnet and use the clamped on block.  Both have 3" dimensions that make setting the fence easy enough.

Cut one end square.

Slide over to the stop block.

Cut to length.

Wash and repeat.  I also mill some leg stock and dado some grooves to accept the side slats.

It goes together like so.  The top is down.

I will put glue in the grooves understanding that not much grip is provided by the end grain.  It is more to make sure the slats don't rattle from the sub-woofer than as a construction element.  The top and bottom slats are pocket-holed to the legs.  The top is toward you in this pic.

There is no reason to Domino these top pieces together other than that I have not used the Domino for so long. 

It took me a while to find it.

I have changed to an imperial thickness stepper.

I'm pretty sure I posted a thread about scribing my own imperial index on the back of the stock index.  It is fine for jumps of 1/4" but I was glad to have the stepped doo-dad for this 5/8" material.

I have domino stock left over from bygone days.

I grabbed a blank of the appropriate size and cut off a half dozen.

The top is in the clamps. 

This could be a one day project.  I am just taking my time since I'm still getting my wheels back under me.  Time to grab some lunch . . .

 

 

[Chet]

On 2/26/2022 at 11:27 AM, gee-dub said:

It must be something about 'dimensional' material that makes guys go crazy with the staple gun.

That and carpet padding.

[gee-dub]

Surprise visit from the grandkids which is always welcome.  Finish will have to wait till tomorrow.

[gee-dub]

Australian Timber Oil Natural:

[Coop]

I’ve used that oil with limited success. However, it was on Adirondack chairs which were completely exposed to the elements. I have sanded and reapplied every two years.

[gee-dub]

It seems a bit troublesome to apply. It may be because this is my first use. I was expecting more of an oil like behavior but even with the minimal pigments in the natural, translucent mixture you can get brush marks or overlap marks if you’re not careful. Did you apply yours with a brush?

[Coop]

I did/do. Luckily, it is pretty easy so sand back. 

[Mark J]

On 2/28/2022 at 8:17 PM, gee-dub said:

Australian Timber Oil Natural:

That was the coating we used on the treehouse in my avatar.  Like Coop said, it lasted about two years.  

[Chestnut]

I'm assuming that's new redwood not old stuff. I wish that i could easily get redwood, it's one of my favorite woods. I had a bunch of reclaimed lumber from fences and decks but it'd be interesting to work with the new stuff.

I like the design. I never knew an outdoor sub woofer was a thing.

[gee-dub]

On 3/3/2022 at 5:32 AM, Chestnut said:

I'm assuming that's new redwood not old stuff. I wish that i could easily get redwood, it's one of my favorite woods. I had a bunch of reclaimed lumber from fences and decks but it'd be interesting to work with the new stuff.

I like the design. I never knew an outdoor sub woofer was a thing.

Yes, new KD redwood.  I believe it primarily grows in California so lucky break there.  The outdoor sub may be a geographical thing.  We don't have much real weather out here so having a music system or a TV under a patio cover can be pretty normal.  We're not much on TV but we (read I ) like to have music when we entertain.

Still playing with the furniture layout so although hooked up and operational (I had to test out the system of course) it is patiently waiting.

[careymadison]

Using epoxy for the knots sounds like a solid plan, especially if you want to prevent water from collecting in them. I’ve used TotalBoat’s penetrating epoxy on outdoor furniture sale before, and it really helps seal up small voids while keeping moisture out. Just make sure to sand everything smooth afterward so the finish adheres well. As for the finish, a high-quality spar urethane should hold up nicely to sun and rain exposure.