Display Table Build

[Woodworking_Hobby]

Well at least it makes me feel better I am not the only one that takes time between milling and next steps in the project.  I am the same way, not sure if clamping helps but it makes me feel a little better!

[Ron Swanson Jr.]

On 9/6/2025 at 10:51 AM, Woodworking_Hobby said:

Well at least it makes me feel better I am not the only one that takes time between milling and next steps in the project.  I am the same way, not sure if clamping helps but it makes me feel a little better!

I try to mill my stock about halfway to the finished thickness and then let it sit for a few days before taking it down the rest of the way. Sometimes those couple days stretch into longer periods.

[Woodworking_Hobby]

Well I failed at keeping good notes on all of the steps, but thought I would post some final pics of the table. I did learn lots through the build and glad I completed, but it was a journey. 

When I did the glue up on my table I used tight bond hide glue which I am a fan and really like for the right projects. It gives me some extra time and I find it is more forgiving when I finish my projects. I use slotted Z clips to attached the table to the base and that seemed to work great. For the finish, since this table will not get a lot of use, I used three coats of tried and true danish oil. I really like using oil finishes on my projects for the ease of application, ease of maintenance, and the final look of the projects. 

I learned that I don’t like making things this large yet as all of the little issues along the way are greatly magnified and some tool limitations are also magnified with the larger and longer parts. 

I learned that I feel more pressure in both time it takes to build and quality if I am building something for another person even if they are just family. I don’t feel this way if I make something and just give it to them, but for sure if they are purchasing the materials and ask for something to be built. They loved the table and really like it, but I was just worried along the way about the cost of the wood and if there were issues that would cause a lot of rework and need extra materials. 

I learned that sometimes you need to stop worrying and just build. I found the project taking even longer as I would overthink every step. I understand that you do need to stop and think along the way so you do not make errors, but I found myself getting stuck on everything. Finally I just stopped overthinking and just started building and all of a sudden I was done. I think that’s why I did not capture some of the steps for the journal. 

I learned it is fun to make your own designs, but that will add time to the project as I had to test and think about all of the little details on the dimensions, joints, edge details, etc. 

Now I am just taking a little time to clean up and organize the shop, work on getting some tools cleaned and calibrated, maybe do a small shop cart to get some things better organized and mobile, and a small project like some little wooden boxes or spatulas before I dive back into something complex. 

[wtnhighlander]

Very nice table / display stand! 

[Mark J]

Well that came out very nice.  You've earned a lot of "feel good" there.

[BillyJack]

Turned out nice , but I was expecting something to display under glass..