ONE OFF TABLE, by PEPPIE (imagination at work)

[Peppie]

Hi all,
Some of you will want to cut thru the chase and see the end product, so shoot down to the last post and have a look. For others I thought you would enjoy the theory behind the build.
I wanted to create the illusion that the top of the table was floating above the legs and apron. That wasnt much of a problem, but with a wide board for the top it has to be able to expand and contract with the humidity in the air. On top of that the board used for the top had a twist in it. I didnt want to lose any of the thickness of the board so I thought of a way to let it twist.
As some of you know I am a freak for figured wood. My favorite is Tiger Maple. It appears to be three dimensional when finished properly.
The mortises (square holes) were first drilled and then squared up with a chisel on all the legs before they were shaped using the bandsaw, file, and then a sander.

These pieces are strictly decorative. They run from the leg stretcher to the apron stretcher. Made the same way the legs were made.

These are the pieces that hold the legs together (leg stretcher)

Note that the pegs are angled to hold the decorative pieces at the correct angle.

Next post to continue. I think I have reached my pic limit.

 

[Peppie]

Here comes the tricky part. This piece will hold the top to the apron. It will slide down over the apron, while also sliding into the top.

Back side

Front side

You can see the left hand side(the dark wood) had a taper to it (dove-tail)

I needed six of them

These pieces will hold the front and rear aprons together. They will also hold the drawer in place.

The rear apron

Time for a new post

 

[Peppie]

Tendons on aprons, also the slots for the top holders

Front apron with drawer holes. Matches the rear apron

The drawer opening are lined with a tight figured stained maple

The top is made up with three pieces. The two end pieces are connected to the main piece with a loose tendon. This allows the main top to expand and contract with humidity

This is the tapered slot the riser will slide into

Very nice color and figure in this piece of maple

Anybody curious yet? Or have you already went for the money shot?? lol

 

[TJL]

Damn! Dave your woodworking skills never cease to amaze me. I am so looking forward to eventually getting my garage/ shop back to some kind of usable setup. I cannot wait to see what your going to show us for the top.

Cheers, Todd

P.S. I see by the time it took me type out on the teeny tiny keys you uploaded pics of top. Incredibly beautiful work and choice of materials my friend.

 

[Peppie]

Thanks Todd, This hasnt been posted very long. You jumped right on it.
I'll get right back to it. This next post will let all of you understand how this will work.
This riser will slide into the top and not be glued. This will allow for the humidity changes in the seasons.
The dovetail slot will keep the riser tight to the top

here it is sliding in. It will not bottom out. I need to leave room for the top to expand

three per side

Now things have been turned upside down

These pieces slide on to the risers and will be glued

Were getting closer. New post

 

[Peppie]

Slide down all the way

The center pieces has a nub on it to attach the decorative stretchers to

This is the back apron sliding on the risers. No glue here I want the top to be able to move if it decides to twist some more. If I glued it here it could cause the legs to become uneven, and the table would wobble.

set down in place

The front is the same

Lets re post for the legs

 

[Peppie]

Thanks again Todd, This is some of my best wood stash.
OK for all the leg men out there this post is for you.LOL
This pieces is holds the decorative stretchers between the legs.

The legs fit to the ends of the aprons with the mortise and tendons

Are ya all ready????? For the money shot!!!
New post...... SOON!!!!!! Who wants to see?????? Here is a tease

 

[akunochi]

Wow I am impressed your work is absolutely clean......sooo seriously wanna help me build a stand. LOL

 

[Peppie]

I would like very much to help you throw together a stand, What type of wood do you have in mind? Rough cut Pine? LOL
Seriously shoot me a PM. I am sure we can nail one together.
Thanks for the reply.
Maybe I should post the finished product? LOL
Noooottttt Yeeeeettttttt. LOL

 

[rainydave]

Wow...just wow. That is incredible!

 

[Peppie]

I cant wait any longer. Here ya go

Couldnt find a good back ground, sorry.

You can see a slight up lifting curve to the bottom side of the top. This is to make the top look lighter.

They drawers are yet to be finished. The will be a dark redish brown figured wood

The pegs will be cut shorter. after final assembly

There you have it. That is proof, if you have an idea, it can work, if you hae done your homework. I tell my son often "You'll get out of it, what you put into it"

 

[Peppie]

I forgot to add. My wife dont like it!!!! Says it is to busy! I gave it to our daughter for a house warming gift. I will ad a semi gloss finish to it before I glue it up. I'll post pics when it has the finish. It will really bring out the figure.

 

[akunochi]

That is gorgeous.

 

[eww]

I have seen this piece first hand many times and let me tell you while these pics make it look amazing, the real thing sitting in front of you and seeing how it goes together is stunning to say he least, even without a finish on it. It makes our little stand and door project look like kindergarten woodworking. Dave is nothing but first class when it comes to his furniture pieces. You should see the side table in his dining room and the table in front of his couch and the walking stick and the... yes the list goes on. Amazing stuff my friend. You have opened my eyes to the beauty of wood even more than they were before.

 

[user 26995]

I know its already been said, but I have to say it too. That table is absolutely beautiful. I would love to see pics of the other pieces too. Just beautiful.

 

[akunochi]

What kind of wood is it? It looks kinda like birdseye redwood but much blonder. I only ask because my Grandfather has PILES of birdseye from over the years.

 

[Peppie]

The top is Tiger western maple, some call it "fiddleback" Birdseye has small speckles on it. I also is a favorite of mine.
I made my tool cabinet drawer fronts out of birdseye.

Not a good shot of the drawer front but you can see the difference.
Maybe there is a trade in the in the near future??? LOL

 

[Peppie]

IPiesis, Thank you

Eric, Thanks for the good words. You are right that the pics dont do the pieces justice. Your stand will also turn heads with it stunning contrast. You and Becca have very good taste in your stand design. That look is all You two (+ Todd) LOL