Today, we got a glimpse of the final product as parts started to come together. The day was capped with few glueups, but began with the selection and prep of the table top stock. With such a beautiful table, it was imperative that we select a board with stunning grain. Even in its rough state, we could see the beauty that was under the surface of this 5/4 board. We measured, marked, milled, and arranged the boards in the most pleasing way possible. What do you think of that mahogany? Can you imagine that with a coat of finish?!?! Yowza!
We then set out to make the ebony plugs. They were cut from long ebony sticks of various thicknesses. To create the rounded “pillow” at the top of the peg, Darrell has this sweet jig which he explains how to build in his book. Once shaped, we refined the surface with increasing grits of sandpaper and finally a buffing at the low-speed grinder. The tip is then cut off by hand and the process is repeated. And if you are Brad, you can also use this saw to create a neat little droplet of red liquid on your finger!
I finished up today with a quick dry assembly and a glueup. Pictured below are all the separate parts. Everything was assembled using loose tenon joinery. Fortunately, the dry-fit looked perfect. So I proceeded with the first sub-assembly, and left it to set up overnight. I can’t wait to get back and finish gluing up the rest of base tomorrow.
Many of you emailed and commented about the big pattern bit. So here’s the story. William had it custom made. Its designed to work well on difficult grain. So if you do a lot of chairs or any other projects that require lots of template routing, this bit would be your best friend. William actually sells these bits at the school and they are available for $130. You can contact William directly to order one.
The rest of this series:
6 Days to Aurora- Day 1
6 Days to Aurora- Day 2
6 Days to Aurora- Day 3
6 Days to Aurora- Day 4
6 Days to Aurora- Day 5
6 Days to Aurora- Day 6
Marc,
Its looking good – your a good student :) hihi
Nice to see the project come together.
Enjoy
Marc those tops look amazing already! Can’t wait to see them with a finish. Looks like you’re having a lot of fun, as are we vicariously.
Holy cow!! I’ve never seen mahogany like that. Beautiful.
Are the plug holes used to add screws or dowels or are they just decorative? I haven’t seen a picture of anybody with a drill in their hand.
I am no more than a woodworking wannabe, but seeing how that table is going to turn out makes me feel like a sixteen year old drooling over a new sports car.
Is it possible to be whisked away by woodworking monks to their monastery in southern California?
No cauls for the tabletop glue-up? (picture Day3-3)
Great work – makes me want to get in the shop and make some sawdust!
That Mahogany grain looks fantastic!