Well, here is the big difference from a traditional pie crust table.
I like to incorporate architecture into some of my woodwork and this is an example. These legs are taken from the 12th – 13th century flying buttresses used to support the walls on old Gothic cathedrals.
Here is an example from Westminster Abbey in England.
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I figured if they were good enough to hold up tons of stone, they would work here.
Here is my interpretation in wood.
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It may look a little bulky and crude now but won’t (hopefully) when I get done with them. I plan a lot of embellishments and other things. I also made the column long so that I can cut it to the correct length once I determine the proper geometry for the top. I don’t want it to hit anything on the legs do I.
I want things to look heavy but not too heavy. I am trying for a balance here. Gothic/Medieval things were a balance
of lightness and bulk/strength. We shall see how it works out.
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Here are a couple pictures showing the joinery. Nice big mortise and tenons instead of the traditional dovetailed slots.
I think that they will be more than strong enough.
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Back to work!
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.






















16 comments so far
a1Jim
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17010 posts in 474 days
posted 198 days ago
Hey Gary
Very interesting input on design. I think it should be a most unique finished Pie crust. That’s how winning designs come about with plenty of forethought before your build . And your great at both design and the great workmanship
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon
spanky46
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737 posts in 288 days
posted 198 days ago
Very nice work Gary!
-- spanky46 -- Never enough clamps...Never enough tools...Never enough time.
Joe Lyddon
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486 posts in 950 days
posted 198 days ago
That is really very cool… and different!
Keep up the good work!
Thank you!
-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"
Tony
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813 posts in 928 days
posted 198 days ago
INTERESTING design thoughts – Quite a mix of designs. I do like your interpretation of the flying buttress for the legs, are you going to embellish them a little more? I am looking forward to the next installment.
-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)
pommy
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978 posts in 589 days
posted 198 days ago
gray they look very cool and i love the thought that you used english architecture we have a cathedral in chichester just down the road with the whole east wing with such arch’s i will have to get a picture for you English architecture is stuning i wish i had your ability to use it
thanks for the post and still look forward to the finished piece
Andy
-- cut it saw it scrap it
Gary Fixler
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649 posts in 279 days
posted 198 days ago
While I have great respect for people who can build solid pieces in classic styles, I love most seeing people blaze their own trails, and come up with new things, or fun combinations of existing things. Naturally, I’m having a great time watching this piece come together. Will the mortise and tenons be held together only with glue?
Really great work so far. I can’t wait to see the embellishments, and to finally see that top go on.
-- Gary, Los Angeles, video game animator
cajunpen
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5968 posts in 963 days
posted 198 days ago
This project is sure to be a winner in somebody’s contest – I suspect that it will be a winner in whatever contest(s) you choose to enter it in.
-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/
PurpLev
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2762 posts in 546 days
posted 198 days ago
nice incorporation of design concepts. how did you go about making the spiral column? curious…
-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.
kolwdwrkr
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2251 posts in 488 days
posted 198 days ago
I saw the blog on the top, and now this. I have to say that this is going to be one SWEET table. Thanks for sharing the process.
-- ~ Inspiring those who inspire me ~
lew
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4500 posts in 653 days
posted 198 days ago
Nice!!!!!
Russel
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2063 posts in 836 days
posted 198 days ago
Only someone with your vision would think of something like ‘Gothic-lite’ and be able to make it work. A most unique idea and I’m looking forward to how you embellish it. It’s sure to be fascinating.
-- Working at Woodworking http://www.VillageLaneFurniture.com
TopamaxSurvivor
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3049 posts in 573 days
posted 198 days ago
Not much to say that hasn’t been said already. Very interesting, KOOL!! :-))
-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.
Dick, & Barb Cain
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7043 posts in 1197 days
posted 198 days ago
You have a winner there.
We’ll be looking for the next posting.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
Woodhacker
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1145 posts in 621 days
posted 198 days ago
Gary, ...I don’t think you’ll have to worry about lack of strength here. Nice Job!
-- Martin, Kansas
DAN
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6455 posts in 880 days
posted 198 days ago
good ideas … keep them flowing
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
Scott Bryan
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20740 posts in 719 days
posted 197 days ago
This is a very original design and it is interesting to watch how you blend the different styles.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.