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This table is an interesting design in that the top doesn't appear to be attached to the rest of the table. It seems to float about 1" above … hence the name Floating Top Hall Table.

The top is made from the most amazing piece of Walnut. The grain shows waves that appear almost 3D. Everyone who sees it has to touch it .. that may be a bad thing :) The rest of the table is Curly Maple. This was my first experience with Curly Maple so I came to really appreciate the importance of having my tools razor sharp. If they are even the slightest bit dull, you will get nasty tear out because regardless what direction you're always cutting against the grain.

The table is finished with Danish Oil Natural so the colour you see if the actual wood colour. The grain was more pronounced than I had originally thought so I'm not sure how I feel about it. If I were to do it again, I think I would use regular maple instead. I'm thinking it's too much grain but my wife loves the look, and that's what counts because I made it for her.

For the last step I was looking through catalogs trying to find a Walnut knob. I was having no luck and really didn't want to go with Maple. I wanted the contrast between the two woods. Everything else on the desk including drawer runners is hand made … so I had some scrap walnut and a small lathe. I tried my hand at turning my own knob on the lathe. I was very pleased with the result.

I should add in the photos, it looks like the drawer gap on either side isn't equal. It actually is, the side lighting is causing that effect.

Gallery

Comments

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Very nice job, Jim. I have quite the softspot for those kind of hall tables… one of these days I'll have to build one.

Cheers
 

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GREAT piece! Love the "floating" look and upward taper on the top edge. Very nice.
 

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Nice looking table.. The grain as a whole does look a little busy, but I think the carpet contributes. A straight grained wood floor and the right color paint on the wall will make it pop!
 

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Thanks for the comments. Dan as it happens it's not sitting where you see in the photo. In it's permanent location it's sitting on a wood floor with a tan wall behind it so it definitely does enhance that rather dull spot.
 

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Very nice use of sap wood, it is nice to see this in projects.
Good job, thanks for sharing.

Gator
 

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I'm not really a fan of regular maple, but curly maple takes me away every time. Especially when mixed with walnut!

This is really beautiful. I'm sure your wife is very happy with it- lucky lady :)
 

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Great job Jim. You should be pleased with the knob, it looks great along with the table. If you wanted to order walnut knobs woodworkers supply offers them but I think yours are just as good. Is the top one piece or joined? I love any combo of walnut and maple. Jerry
 

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This is a beautiful table. I have 2 pieces of book matched walnut with some really beautiful grain that have been waiting to be made into a table. This has given me some ideas.
 

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Great job Jim, the grain on the legs have a nice visual effect similar to some of the period pieces ive seen.
 

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This kind of table is very interesting indeed, very nice work Jim.
 

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Hi Jim, very nice table. I too have made a floating top hall table similar to yours and was wondering how you added support to the front, since you cut through the apron. I've been meaning to add a drawer to my next table. Thanks in advance.

-James
 
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