White pine trestle coffee table

This is not a new piece but one that has rejoined me recently in New Zealand. This piece has now followed me to three countries and has taken on enormous sentimental value.

This piece was built about 24 years ago when I was taking my first woodworking courses in Ottawa, Canada. I believe, appropriately enough, it was the ‘pine furniture making’ course. Made of Eastern White Pine, it came in massively large clear pieces at the time. The top is 2” thick as are the feet, the trestle is 1 3/4” and the leg uprights are 1 1/2”.

All of the joints are mortise and tenon. The table top is connected to the legs with brass screws from underneath in what should have been elongated holes to deal with seasonal movement of the top. I found out early on that there was some serious movement so I removed the screws from one side before any damage could come to the top. Some day I need to go back in and elongate those holes and restore the missing 2 screws but the top is secure enough even with 2 screws that it hasn’t been a big priority. Lesson learned, however, wood DOES move!

The piece has obviously seen some wear and some abuse but it’s holding up remarkably well and the pine is turning to a natural beautiful orangey color which stain manufacturers can only hope to imitate!

I believe I originally finished it with tung oil. I now give it a coat of linseed oil oh, every 10 years or so!

-- Steve, New Zealand, www.steveracz.com