It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything.

The table project has been side tracked for a while, due to some health issues but I’m back at it now.

The three pedestal bases are finished.

I’ve also started posting the construction details on one of my wood working websites:

http://www.myhomewoodshop.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=72:17-foot-dining-room-table-part-1&catid=82:dining-room-tables&Itemid=63

I’ll post more soon.

Lee

I just wanted to thank Jude Herr, also an lumberjock, or maybe it’s jockette) for her article on a new ezee-feed product.

http://www.toologics.com/News/Cool_Tools/The_New_Ezee-Feed_Lite__200905191358.html

Lee

Kind of boring I think. So, I was thinking, how could I complicate this. I’ve already rebuilt the top 3 times, due to these brilliant ideas. LOL

I may never actually finish. Anyway, I was thinking some sort of design in them would give it a little extra kick, or maybe a different veneer.

I laid out a few different types of veneers, thinking changing from Ebony might be the answer, but I was afraid introducing another wood might be too much.

So I decided maybe some simple marquetry would kick it up a notch, to quote some guy that cooks a lot. A compass design came to mind, so I got out some plexiglass and made a small template. One problem with a new template is the fact it’s clear, so if you lay it down, without making a mental note of it, finding it again can be a b*h. Ask me how I know. Ask me how many times I know. LOL

Then, with some Curly Maple and some Curly Anigre, I cut some 1” wide strips and joined them together. Using this new template, I cut some pieces to shape and laid them out on the Ebony tops.

I think they look pretty good. If I decide to use them, it means redoing the tops one more time.

Let me know what you all think of this idea. Keep in mind, these pieces are loosely laid out on the top, so don’t be too critical of the joints, or even being perfectly centered.

Thanks;

Lee

I used to think I worked pretty quickly, but now I know better. I just can’t seem to get any time in the shop lately. Seems that paperless paperwork and meetings is what I really do for a living.

Takes me half an hour just to remember where I left off.

Anyway, I posted some progress shots on my site.

And one day, I’ll finish.(maybe)

http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com/Building_a_Small_Entertainment_Center.html

Lee

I just got the go ahead to build a 17 foot dining room table. This going to be challenging, as it has three pedestal bases, which are heavily carved, have some japanning and gold leaf, in addition to veneering.

The top will be veneered, include some marquetry, have a couple leaves, which will be stored in table structure.

I have to admit, I’m wondering what I got myself into this time, but being the president of the imaginary; ”If It Ain’t Impossible, Why Bother Club”, I just couldn’t resist.

Due to it’s sheer size, I’ll have to re-arrange the shop a bit.

I’ll try to keep a well detailed photo log to keep posting the project details.

Wish me luck!

Lee

I posted this on page one, which I guess was a mistake. I’ll update it here when I’m done.

Project update can be seen at:

http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com/Building_a_Small_Entertainment_Center.html

Thank you;

Lee

I’ve been keeping crazy hours . but I have been working on the cabinet. I figured I would post it when I got done.

I did keep daily updates and progress photos on my website.

If your tired of waiting go here:

http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com/Building_a_Small_Entertainment_Center.html

I am not under any duress, and no one is forcing me to say that!LOL

Lee

A while back our projection screen television committed suicide. So we bought a flat screen model that hangs on the wall.

Of course all the “stuff” that used to sit on top of the previous T.V. cabinet was demoted to sitting on the floor.

Thus, the need for a cabinet to sit below the new unit, and house the “stuff”. Do you believe I didn’t see that coming? Doh!

Well, while I was riding in the car with her, she described what she would like. I drew what I interpreted from the description, which surprisingly, she liked. It is tough to draw while riding in a car, so excuse the informal technique.

I started out by measuring the television, and consulting with her as to the size of the cabinet, got started on construction.

Being the veneer nut that I am, and the fact the cabinet was rounded at the ends, it was a no brainer that would be the material of choice. I decided to do an Ebony kick base, with the grain running vertically, since that would make it more time consuming. I’m a big fan of Ebony and I do like the look of it installed in that direction .

I then rough cut the veneers for the cabinet itself. (which my lovely wife chose). She brought me a cup of coffee, just in time to see me finish cutting the veneer. After seeing the ebony, which she didn’t know I was going to use, and was already installed on the kick base, decided the beautiful figured veneer I had cut wasn’t a good match. Too busy.

My veneer happens to be stored between the skylights on the ceiling. The ceiling is framed up to the roof level, creating a fair amount of storage room for shelves. (about 10’ – 12’ above the ground).

I spent the next couple hours getting flitches of veneers for her to look at. Finally, she chose figured satinwood. Then the next couple hours re-wrapping the veneer and putting it back on the shelves.

Well, this same difficult client is now tapping her foot at the front door, so I gotta get out of here!

To Be Continued…

I just wanted to congratulate our fellow L.J., Dennis Zongker, for having his “Griffin End Table” published in the Dec. ‘08 issue of C.W.B. ( Custom Woodworking Business) Magazine. pgs. 26 & 27

http://www.iswonline.com/ArticleLanding/tabid/67/Default.aspx?tid=2&heading=Design%20Portfolio&modid=517&ContentID=17970

In an article appropriately titled; “An End Table to End All End Tables”, Dennis’s table is shown in two beautiful photographs.

In the interview, his passion and knowledge of furniture styles and periods is obvious. A sign of someone that truly immerses themselves in their work, stemming from a genuine love of their work.

His workmanship is nothing short of amazing, as is his design skill.

Certainly an inspiration to me, and I’ll bet most of us L.J.”s

Congratulations, Dennis

Lee

Apparently the dining room table came up in the rotation, because a few comments were made yesterday.

Instead of adding a blog regarding it’s construction, I’ll just post this link to my website, which covers the details in depth.

Part one

http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com/Build_A_Dining_Room_Table.html

There are three parts, which are linked at the bottom of the page.

I hope you enjoy it.

Lee