So it’s been pretty slow going as of late. The top is proving to be trickier than I’d anticipated and I got sidetracked with a slew of house related tasks. The main issue I’ve had with the top is being able to effectively mill such large pieces.
Initially I got hung up trying to flatten the faces of the top; I’d been using my jointer to do this but the bed simply isn’t long enough to joint 7′ long boards. However I came to the realization (with help from some fellow jocks) that I didn’t need it perfectly flat along it’s length, I just needed it flat enough whereby I could clamp it flat during the glue up.
So my new tack is to just plane it so that both faces are flat-ish, and parallel to one another, then ‘joint’ it with a rip cut on my tablesaw. I’m using the tablesaw with a 9′ straight edge attached to the fence. Using this technique I’m slowly but surely getting the top built.
I do have the parts for the base milled though but I’d really like to get the top out of the way before doing any more work there.
-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso
9 comments so far
BarryW
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872 posts in 799 days
posted 566 days ago
“flat-ish”....is that one of those strange things that live on the sea floor? Yup, getting it “flat-ish” is important…and I’m jealous you’re building it in the first place…that’s one of my projects down the road…and it’s going to be a long road before I begin. You’re having a great adventure with this project.
-- /\/\/\ BarryW /\/\/\ Stay so busy you don't have time to die.
Scott Bryan
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20575 posts in 715 days
posted 566 days ago
Hi Damian,
Sounds like you are making progress. Trying to joint long boards is difficult. But is sounds as if you are working through it. How about posting some pictures?
Thanks for sharing.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Damian Penney
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1030 posts in 884 days
posted 566 days ago
Pics will follow, and I do feel as though I’ve gotten to the point where now it’s more a case of doing, as opposed to figuring out how to do it which is a big step.
-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso
GMman
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1350 posts in 590 days
posted 566 days ago
When I want to joint long boards and I cannot get it straight on the jointer I have a long straight edge and I use my router with a straight bit it is faster then trying to get it on the jointer
-- --<<<<<< I will not stop until I get it right. >>>>>>--
GaryK
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9521 posts in 881 days
posted 566 days ago
Keep us posted!
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Damian Penney
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1030 posts in 884 days
posted 566 days ago
Routing works pretty well for edge jointing, but my edges are 1.5 – 1.75” which is a pretty big router bit, and how do you face joint a 3”+ face with a router?
-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso
Lee A. Jesberger
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3710 posts in 872 days
posted 566 days ago
Keep at it Buddy;
Looking back, it will have been easy.
Hind sight and all that!
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Dorje
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1767 posts in 890 days
posted 566 days ago
You have kids or something? Take your time! All good things take time…
-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA
bfd
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418 posts in 700 days
posted 566 days ago
Hi Damien,
I was wondering how you were doing on your bench. I can’t wait to see some pictures. Just remember that the journey makes the destination that much more interesting and memorable. Oh, by the way your wiskey table has served as the source of inspiration for my current project (I will post it shortly). Also from “scrap” wood I had left over from previous projects.
-- Brian, Folsom, CA http://www.brianfullerdesigns.com