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In Southern New Mexico, there are a whole bunch of geological points of interest. Many of you have heard of white sands. That seems to be the most popular. There is also an incredible high mountain Oasis that contains hundreds of square miles of beautiful pine forests. That hunk of mountains drops all the way down to the desert floor on the western face. It is there that the Cinders can be found.

The Cinders is a small inactive volcano that created a massive lava flow. If you were on top of the tallest peak in Ruidoso, you could look down an see the enormity of that lava flow. You just don't get an appreciation for the flow until you are at ground zero, There are spirals, curves and waves of stone that are frozen in time to attest to hellish cauldron that once was. And again - the volcano is little more than a rocky hill jutting out of the desert.

This is my third and final table of the southwest collection. I used up some of my Paduak offcuts to make the volcano. The soot filled sky is made from some very warped Sapelle.

All of the lighter wood is curly Maple. As you can see-I really goofed. I bought some darker wood that was being sold as curly maple. It didn't match but I kept on building as if somehow the very light maple was going to magically cause the other curly wood to get lighter. Those distinct color changes at all the edges of the table are a testament to my stubbornness. Now I'm just going to live with it. I've started the long and arduous process of convincing myself that it adds character. ;)

The dark portion of the top border is good old fashioned American Walnut.

The sides and legs are Maple, left over African Mahogany and left over Jatoba flooring.

I know I said it was my third and final table. Is a fireplace mantle a table? ;)

Gallery

Comments

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This is a unique and wonderful piece Mark. I like it big time.
 

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Navajo?

COOL
 

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Very unique and beautifully crafted!
 

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I like it a lot…. great way to tell a story through your work
 

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Jim, that's a high compliment coming from you. That you so much!
Joe, definitely Navajo inspired.
John, thank you my friend. Good to see you!
Matt, thank you very kindly sir.
 

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Wow beautiful table and design and the various woods look great together…excellent work.
 

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Excellent, Excellent table, Mark. That is a real heirloom !!Beautiful work on it all over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.....................Jim
 

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The top is great and a fitting tribute to an historic and special place but what I really like is the structure. The design of the legs and the way they become the top is an eye catcher.
Well made, well photographed and very well written.
...... and about the two toned maple …...... that's the little s-- that you're not supposed to sweat. :)

Nice Mark.
 

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My friends,

I can't thank you enough for lifting me up with your very generous comments.

Deon, I looked through your projects today. I love what I saw. I also see a connection between our work. Thank you very much for the compliment.

Michelle, your work leaves me speechless. I've been a fan since I saw your first piece. I can usually get a basic understanding of how a wood worker could do something. You are way out of my league. I need to look at some of your projects again. This time - not just as an admirer but also as a puzzle. Thank you so very much for your recent comments!
 

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Very cool, the lava flow (if it's the same, west of Ruidoso just southeast of Socorro) is very pronounced on google earth, if anyone wants to see what it looks like. Pilots training on the North range use it as a primary landmark when doing exercises. I've been told it's a pretty spectacular site through goggles during nighttime training.

And trust me, it's dark out there. Can't see your own hands in front of your face dark. Best place I've ever been for stargazing. Say hello to the crew from the owl bar. Best green chili cheeseburger on the planet.
 

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David - thank you so much! It's an honor to see your comment. You are a polished woodworker with the heart of a lion. I've been seeing your bits of encouragement and soul building commentaries for quite a while. You are a true gift to this community.

Jim, it's very good to see you my friend. You know I've been in awe of your work and incredible ingenuity for a while now. If you ever decide to making marking gauges, I will proudly add one to my collection.
 

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Paul, I've got to say that I am truly humbled by your generous comments. You are an artist, craftsman and mentor of the highest degree.

Thank for helping to set me at ease about the wood color variation.

I told my little girl about your photography comment. She is still smiling. You made her happy. For my part at least, I probably won't have to encourage quite as much to photograph my next project.
 

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Mark,
...Bravo, ...Bravo.
Your eye for patterned woodworking is something we can all learn from.
You came to woodwork with some mad skills, explored them and perfected your designing, cutting, milling, assembling and finishing. Along the way you unselfishly shared the trials, that we have all experienced, and overcame them like the craftsman that you are and we have benefited.

'Paying it Forward' is what the LJ's Site is all about.
Your 'Blog' on Upholstering was a major undertaking and removed a lot of the mystery, at least for me, so now there is a permanent reference for many LumberJocks to enjoy and learn from.
I truly have enjoyed our conversations, and am proud to call you a friend.
Your family is fortunate to have such a talented and compassionate father/husband.

Happy Easter, enjoy the celebration today.
Best Regards my friend.
Work Safely and have Fun.
 

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Charles, no fooling here. You one of the people who make this site awesome. You pour into everyone else selflessly. In my view, that makes you one of the finest people on this Earth. Keep doing what you do my friend. Every tiny piece you give amounts to a mountain of life time accomplishment.

Thank you for your praise.
 

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Gianni,

Hole in one! Thank you very much for expanding our knowledge of that incredible site. I never considered it as a stargazing site. I suppose I could make another trip out the just for that and the burgers.
 

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Len, you have helped me pretty much since day 1. There is no way that I can express how much help that has actually been. It's not just about you incredible wealth of woodworking wisdom and experience. It has been more about that overall encouragement. From my perspective I hear these words coming from you. "You've done well. Your vision is good. Take the next step without fear. "

That is the fruit that feeds me. Those are the seeds that grow me.

I had a very good friend who taught me something important. As you improve 'whatever it is you try to be good at' your audience shrinks. Not literally mind you. It's the people you admire and respect who are the audience you strive to capture.

I have been overwhelmed by incredible masters who have given me the thumbs up on this project. Every word from them is yours. What I have been able to accomplish comes from the gifts you have shared with me. What I have been able to accomplish that is remotely fine, has come from our father. I can see that you are his willing servant

From me to you Brother, "He is risen!" If I never meet with you face to face In this world, I will not hurt or fall into sadness. I know our days as friends have only begun and will never end. Happy Easter!
 

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Beautiful, man! So very nicely designed and executed. Refreshing and unique. I love it.
 
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