| Project by mdf | posted 567 days ago | 965 views | 9 times favorited | 24 comments | ![]() |
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By using scrap pieces I ended up with this “butcher block style” table. The table frame is made from Red Oak and the top is made from regular 2×4 construction lumber.
The process was pretty straight forward. I did use the thickness planer for the top which I think was borderline smart to do, I feared that the block would break, but it worked without breaking the block or the planer.































24 comments so far
CharlieM1958
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7608 posts in 1111 days
posted 567 days ago
That is a really interesting effect. Good thinking!
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
Bradford
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787 posts in 716 days
posted 567 days ago
what kind of finish will you use?
-- so much wood, so little time. Bradford.
Scott Bryan
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20575 posts in 715 days
posted 567 days ago
This is a very unique table. The grain pattern on the top gives it an interesting look.
Thanks for the post.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
BrianM
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115 posts in 645 days
posted 567 days ago
It’s a neat look. Are the top blocks just glued together? Also wondering how they are attached at the bottom.
I’m wondering about wood movement if the 2×4’s were lumber stock it would be close to 20% moisture and with the grain going in different directions it will be interesting to see how she holds.
I’m interested because I have a dining table in mind along this idea.
-- There is no such thing as scrap wood!, http://www.saltrivergallery.com
Eric
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784 posts in 676 days
posted 567 days ago
Very nice!
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
mgradwohl
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189 posts in 706 days
posted 567 days ago
I think that’s pretty cool looking. I can’t wait to see it with finish on it.
Napaman
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3482 posts in 970 days
posted 567 days ago
i just watched the Woodwhisperer’s video on end grain cutting boards and I am real excited to try it…but now this looks cool…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
DAN
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6438 posts in 876 days
posted 567 days ago
I like it !
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
mdf
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38 posts in 869 days
posted 567 days ago
Thank you for the kind words! I actually made this table more than a year ago and have not noticed any wood movement. The lumber was very dry when I cut it, so this may have limited the shrinkage or I was just lucky. The top is just placed in the 1/2” rabbet “tray” without any fasteners (the edge holds it in place). It is so heavy that its not going anywhere. All the pieces are only glued with regular yellow glue. As for finish I have still not done anything. I like the look of it as it is and it is not a piece that gets much use, so I don’t really feel I need to protect it, but maybe one day I’ll do something.
Russel
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2054 posts in 832 days
posted 567 days ago
I look at my scrap and think firewood. You look at scrap and think table. That’s ingenuity, I gotta get me some of that. Very cool.
-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.
brianinpa
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1365 posts in 616 days
posted 567 days ago
MDF,
What do you use the table for? One spilled drink may put a “finish” to your unfinished look. THe table looks great, and I like the idea. I need to stop using those scrap pieces of lumber as firewood. Thanks for sharing.
-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.
BrianM
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115 posts in 645 days
posted 567 days ago
Thanks for the feedback MDF. It’s a neat table
A coat of oil would probable make that end grain pop. Now you have encouraged me to peruse that dining table I had in mind.
-- There is no such thing as scrap wood!, http://www.saltrivergallery.com
Mark Shymanski
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1555 posts in 605 days
posted 567 days ago
Nice table, I really like the idea of the table’s weight holding it in place. Clever!
-- ...it's rennovation time!!!
GaryK
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9521 posts in 881 days
posted 567 days ago
Very interesting looking table. Great job.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Jarrod Zion Murphree
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348 posts in 616 days
posted 566 days ago
I likey.
-- Jarrod, Taos, NM http://jzmurphree.wordpress.com/
bfd
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418 posts in 700 days
posted 565 days ago
I really like this table. The pattern on the top is outstanding. It is a real cool effect with the pieces that have the pith. I also like how you photographed the piece.
-- Brian, Folsom, CA http://www.brianfullerdesigns.com
Bradford
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787 posts in 716 days
posted 564 days ago
I agree with all the above statements. And again ask if you will put some oil on that top, you are making us all way too nervous. (maybe some mineral spirits just to see the grain pop as you take a picture to post for us) please.
that way it will go back to the natural look until when and if you put a final finish on. Thanks.
-- so much wood, so little time. Bradford.
mdf
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38 posts in 869 days
posted 564 days ago
OK! You are all right. I’ll give it some oil and post the photos ASAP.
FritzM
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106 posts in 705 days
posted 561 days ago
sweet! i love exposed end grain and there is a ton of it there! great simple table! I agree with bfd, the photography is great. Your folding chair seems to have been shot in the same spot…... is that your backyard? I’d love to see a blog about your photo setup if/when you have time. camera, settings, etc?
-- Fritz Oakland, Ca http://www.muegenburg.com (dedicated to my other hobby)
mdf
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38 posts in 869 days
posted 561 days ago
Here it is with an Oil finish. I am not quite sure what I think about it yet ;).
FritzM – Thanks! Yes, it is my backyard. We live by a lake, so it’s a perfect setting. I don’t have a fancy photo-setup, just an old Sony 5Mpix camera and great Florida sunlight.
Thanks,
Mads
FritzM
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106 posts in 705 days
posted 560 days ago
hmmm…. yeah, I think I liked it without the finish. although, it does need to be protected from the inevitable spill as mentioned above. I’m not a finishing expert, but I wonder if a mat lacquer on the base with oil on the top would have been better. there is something about the grain pattern and color of oiled red oak that I don’t like. The top looks great though. Still a sweet table!
-- Fritz Oakland, Ca http://www.muegenburg.com (dedicated to my other hobby)
Jarrod Zion Murphree
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348 posts in 616 days
posted 536 days ago
I still like it. I think you did a really good job of getting some nice rift sawn grain on the legs and stretchers. That’s important in a piece like this.
Regards,
JM
-- Jarrod, Taos, NM http://jzmurphree.wordpress.com/
trifern
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7894 posts in 660 days
posted 499 days ago
Nice looking table. I like the end grain look.
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
thetimberkid
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1944 posts in 596 days
posted 499 days ago
Nice table!
Thanks for the post
Callum
-- For wood working podcasts with a twist check out http://thetimberkid.com/