LumberJocks
DAILY DEALS Cast Iron Coffee Mill Mechanisms and Coffee Mill Well Kits, with FREE Downloadable Plan!  |  Makita Makita Recon LCT203W 10.8 Volt Lithium Ion Impact Driver 2 Pc Kit

Sewing Machine Table

Project by Blake posted 519 days ago 2340 views 20 times favorited 74 comments Add to Favorites Watch

This table was a birthday gift for my mom. She had asked for a sewing machine table that was “just the right height” so it wouldn’t make her back hurt.

This is the first piece of furniture I’ve ever built. It is made with all traditional joinery and methods including mortise and tenon construction, dovetailed drawers, and hardwood “buttons” secure the top to allow for wood movement.

Made from solid Birch, oiled with boiled linseed oil and polished with 600 grit sandpaper. I spent 55 hours building it. It’s my own design.

For more information on the construction process from start to finish check out my blog:
Sewing Table: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8.

-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com


74 comments so far

View EduWood's profile

EduWood

50 posts in 522 days


posted 519 days ago

Beautiful piece. Wonderful selection of wood. Great craftsmanship. Well done Blake, your mom must be proud!

-- David, O.C., California

View Douglas Bordner's profile

Douglas Bordner

3421 posts in 958 days


posted 519 days ago

Zowie! Look at that happy Mom…
This is outstanding work, Blake.

-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.

View Tony's profile

Tony

811 posts in 924 days


posted 519 days ago

Blake this looks fantastic, especially for a first attempt at a piece of furniture.

The only thing is the table top, the wood is unusual and looks fantastic, but it is a shame you could not have book matched the boards. It would have taken the piece to whole new level.

Hindsight of others is a wonderful thing!

-- Tony - All things are possible, just some things are more difficult than others! - SKYPE: Heron2005 (http://www.poydatjatuolit.fi)

View dustynewt's profile

dustynewt

447 posts in 756 days


posted 519 days ago

Stunning work Blake. I can feel the love that went into it, both for your mom and for the work. Great figure in that wood.

-- Please visit me at http://dustynewt.com

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9521 posts in 882 days


posted 519 days ago

Your mom looks very happy! Great job Blake!

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

View brianinpa's profile

brianinpa

1365 posts in 617 days


posted 518 days ago

Blake, that’s a beauty, and your mom looks happy. To look at it, you can’t even tell your forgot the drawers. I like the finish.

-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.

View FlWoodRat's profile

FlWoodRat

582 posts in 803 days


posted 518 days ago

Blake. Man you are awesome. Not only did you design and construct a beutiful piece of useful furniture, you made MOM very happy. Tough combination. What’s even better now is that you can tell your siblings that your are her ”Favorite Son”. By the way, the Petunia blossom is almost as pretty as your Happy Mom’s smile! Has there ever been a better commission for anyone’s work?

-- I love the smell of sawdust in the morning....

View snowdog's profile

snowdog

808 posts in 876 days


posted 518 days ago

Well done and great photography by the way, the pictures really show it off. I didn’t know birch could look so nice.

-- "so much to learn and so little time"..

View dlcarver's profile

dlcarver

260 posts in 624 days


posted 518 days ago

I agree, I didn’t know birch could look so nice. I always thought it was scrap wood.
Fine job Blake.
Dave

-- Dave Leitem,Butler,Pa.,http://dlcarver.etsy.com

View Brad_Nailor's profile

Brad_Nailor

1214 posts in 851 days


posted 518 days ago

Beautiful work Blake! I love the beading around the draws..looks like you planned it that way! The material selection is top notch..those curls sing! This is great work especially if you figure in that its your first furniture project, with first time trying most of the operations.

-- David, South Windsor, CT "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning"

View trifern's profile

trifern

7894 posts in 661 days


posted 518 days ago

Gorgeous work Blake. I like your choice of hardware. The grain is beautiful. I have enjoyed your blogs along the way.

-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.

View BobR's profile

BobR

137 posts in 879 days


posted 518 days ago

Love the timber. Well done.

-- Bob

View Scott Bryan's profile

Scott Bryan

20629 posts in 716 days


posted 518 days ago

Great job, Blake. I have enjoyed watching this one develop.

Your mother is obviously happy with the present.

Well done.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

View JohnR's profile

JohnR

39 posts in 591 days


posted 518 days ago

Blake,

Great job and great way to show your love for your mom. All of us know we would prefer a “homemade” birthday card (filled wil spelling errors, backward lettering, and imperfect coloring) from our little children than an over-priced Hallmark classic anyday. Your mom got a perfect “homemade” table that will speak to her of your love every time she sits to pursue what is probably her favorite pasttime.

You have blessed and honored your mother.

-- Sola Gratia, John

View blackcherry's profile

blackcherry

730 posts in 717 days


posted 518 days ago

Nothing but the best for Mom. Great workmanship Blake that piece should age just wonderfully. thanks for posting Blkcherry

View RAH's profile

RAH

414 posts in 771 days


posted 518 days ago

Very nice! When is your wifes birthday? What are you making her? Love your blogs.

-- Ron Central, CA

View Greg Wurst's profile

Greg Wurst

716 posts in 726 days


posted 518 days ago

Fantastic job! I’m sure your mother will treasure it.

-- You're a unique and special person, just like everyone else.

View TedM's profile

TedM

1843 posts in 626 days


posted 518 days ago

Beautiful! This is a fine piece of furniture. A great gift for your Mom. The circle of life, from son to mother and from one craft comes another. Kudos!

-- I'm a wood magician... I can turn fine lumber into firewood before your very eyes! - http://www.woodworkersguide.com

View CharlieM1958's profile

CharlieM1958

7623 posts in 1112 days


posted 518 days ago

I’m overwhelmed, Blake. Every project you post seems to be better than your last. This is a truly marvelous piece! I can’t imagine what will top this. (Not to put any pressure on you…<g>)

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

View Jimthecarver's profile

Jimthecarver

427 posts in 679 days


posted 518 days ago

Well executed Blake! Your mom’s smile proves it…..Way to go.
Jim

-- Can't never could do anything, to try is to advance.

View stanley2's profile

stanley2

278 posts in 689 days


posted 518 days ago

Blake – all the credo’s that have come before me are well deserved – it’s beautiful

-- Phil in British Columbia

View Daren Nelson's profile

Daren Nelson

533 posts in 799 days


posted 518 days ago

That is just gorgeous !

-- Urban logger, http://nelsonwoodworks.biz/

View lew's profile

lew

4485 posts in 649 days


posted 518 days ago

Beautiful job, Blake!!

Your Mom will treasure this forever. Don’t be surprised when her friends start calling you to make them furniture!

Lew

View Chris 's profile

Chris

1469 posts in 885 days


posted 518 days ago

Outstanding Job Blake!

-- Chris

View Karson's profile

Karson

25793 posts in 1294 days


posted 518 days ago

Blake. A beautiful table and a great gift.

Great recovery on the construction problems.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

View RobS's profile

RobS

1243 posts in 1200 days


posted 518 days ago

Blake, All I can say is you must be an OUTSTANDING new and used tool salesman cause you ought to be making furniture for a living….

Excellent piece of craftsmanship….

-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX

View Rj's profile

Rj

559 posts in 525 days


posted 518 days ago

Well Done nice & clean- I like the table top profile with the curved approns and drawer fronts =Very nice

-- Rj's Woodworks,San Jose & Weed Ca,

View Damian Penney's profile

Damian Penney

1030 posts in 885 days


posted 518 days ago

Tony I thought the same thing with regards a book match but I think more than anything the light is tricking us. In the pic with Blakes Mom the curl looks very nicely matched, less so in the pic of just the top. I love this piece, I especially like the way the sapwood follows the curve of the front. Really well done Blake and your blog was great.

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

View gizmodyne's profile

gizmodyne

1674 posts in 984 days


posted 518 days ago

Came out great Blake. I can’t get over how you saved the drawers. Very ambitious for a first furniture project.

What’s next? .... Hmmm….Matching chair?

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne

View bfd's profile

bfd

419 posts in 701 days


posted 518 days ago

Blake,

This is just Awesome! The finish really brings out that beautiful figure. The design and scale are perfect as well as the execution and craftmanship. Your blog captured every step of the process. That last picture says it all. Great commission and great piece of furniture man!

-- Brian, Folsom, CA http://www.brianfullerdesigns.com

View Harold's profile

Harold

312 posts in 741 days


posted 518 days ago

Hmmm, as posted above the flower is breathtaking and your work is a equally perfect expression of natural beauty. The beading on the drawers, works so well….and the expression on your mother’s face is so wonderful…......as craftsman we sometimes struggle with the how to’s of a project in our busy mind’s, but when the “why” is so clear in our heart, each step makes more sense and comes so naturally. It truly is a well worn path that we as craftsman follow….I think the world is a little different today, the horizon’s alittle broader. Well done Blake, you did a good thing and thank you for sharing.

-- If knowledge is not shared, it is forgotten.

View Beginningwoodworker's profile

Beginningwoodworker

4154 posts in 567 days


posted 518 days ago

Nice work, on the sewing table Blake. Your mom is going to enjoy it.

-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker

View Jon3's profile

Jon3

439 posts in 999 days


posted 518 days ago

Beautiful!

View Bigbuck's profile

Bigbuck

1366 posts in 557 days


posted 518 days ago

Wow, that is awsome

-- Glenn, New Mexico

View MsDebbieP's profile

MsDebbieP

14156 posts in 1054 days


posted 518 days ago

that is one GORGEOUS table and one very happy seamstress!!

Well done. (lots of brownie points for this one, huh?)

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

View Napaman's profile

Napaman

3486 posts in 971 days


posted 518 days ago

wow…blake…spectacular…i really like the drawer pulls (?handles?)...and the drawer edge is a nice touch…not to mention the rest…is just fantastic!!!

-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...

View Todd A. Clippinger's profile

Todd A. Clippinger

5639 posts in 993 days


posted 518 days ago

Blake,

This is an astoundingly beautiful piece. I think the bead around the drawers is better than none at all anyway.
It was a great solution to a stressful situation that really adds to the overall design.

The beauty is this; it is the essence of simplicity and perfect balance in design that maximizes the natural beauty of the wood. It is a perfect marriage of form and function in it’s simple elegance.

I encounter “firsts” all the time in projects. It is simply a matter of understanding that you already know the principles of woodworking, which one will you use as a solution to the challenges that you encounter?

You are already there brother LJ. Know what I mean?

Also, I really enjoyed the details of the progress and the lists of firsts. It was a lot of fun following this project.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

View jcees's profile

jcees

552 posts in 693 days


posted 518 days ago

Sweet!

always,
J.C.

-- "Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein

View DAN 's profile

DAN

6439 posts in 877 days


posted 518 days ago

Blake … you’ve got skills ! nice

-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever

View wwnovice's profile

wwnovice

77 posts in 1080 days


posted 518 days ago

Blake,

That is one beautiful piece of furniture. Outstanding work.

-- John

View teenagewoodworker's profile

teenagewoodworker

2481 posts in 662 days


posted 518 days ago

nice been watching this project come together and it came out great! i really like the drawers and the birch’s figure is amazing! thanks for the post

View Woodhacker's profile

Woodhacker

1145 posts in 617 days


posted 518 days ago

Blake, I hadn’t seen your blog series until seeing your project post. What a fantastic table! You did an incredible job, in every way, design, wood choice, contruction, etc.! I had to go back and look at the entire blog series.

I really like the birch. I used it to build a wall of bookcases a few years back, I really liked working with it, but it didn’t have nearly grain you have in this sewing table. I’m sure your mom absolutely loves it.

Oh, and great blog series too. I enjoyed going through them. Thanks for posting them and the project.

-- Martin, Kansas

View Jarrod Zion Murphree's profile

Jarrod Zion Murphree

348 posts in 617 days


posted 518 days ago

I can’t believe how nice that thing turned out. Simply beautiful.

I really like the drawer fronts, and the way the sapwood curves along the arch of the apron. Amazing eye for detail.

Kick ass job!!

-- Jarrod, Taos, NM http://jzmurphree.wordpress.com/

View dennis mitchell's profile

dennis mitchell

3789 posts in 1208 days


posted 518 days ago

...first piece of furniture…Blake you are going on my buddies list just so I can cross you off…I’m going to go hide in a corner and pout!
Actually that is AWSOME!

-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com

View jockmike2's profile

jockmike2

7302 posts in 1140 days


posted 518 days ago

Nice piece Blake, beautiful. Your mother is worth every minute you put into it. Enjoy and rejoice that she is still with you and you are able to do for her. That bond be not broken. She will always cherish you and the gift.

-- Mike. mwurm13@yahoo.com

View Dorje's profile

Dorje

1767 posts in 891 days


posted 518 days ago

Amazing! Love the sap curve like the others as well as the use of the sap wood on the front and back edges. Can’t say too much that hasn’t been said. This has been a really fun project/blog to follow. I think that piece deserves hand turned or carved wooden knobs/pulls on those drawers! Can’t wait to see what you get into next!

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

View Betsy's profile

Betsy

2386 posts in 790 days


posted 518 days ago

I’ve had fun watching this table come to life. You really did a nice job Blake, you should be very proud.

I’m with Dorje—- what’s next?? :-)

-- You can't get a hug from Facebook.

View ND2ELK's profile

ND2ELK

6176 posts in 668 days


posted 518 days ago

Great looking sewing cabinet. Love the wood grain. Looks like Mom is very happy with her cabinet. Thanks for posting.

God Bless
tom

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

View MikeyFlies's profile

MikeyFlies

13 posts in 559 days


posted 518 days ago

Very very nice.

View Marcel T's profile

Marcel T

146 posts in 620 days


posted 517 days ago

One of the best projects I have seen on LJ’s! And it has a detailed blog to boot! Great job, your moms smile says it all.

View jm82435's profile

jm82435

508 posts in 636 days


posted 517 days ago

Thanks for the post and blog, that is soo cool. Absolutely beautiful. I like the way you used the natural grain, sapwood, growth structure to enhance your project. You have created something very special, thanks for sharing it with us.

-- A thing of beauty is a joy forever...

View Kerry's profile

Kerry

131 posts in 684 days


posted 517 days ago

It’s all been said above, but it bears repeating – wonderful job!

Kerry

-- Alberta, Canada

View WayneC's profile

WayneC

5981 posts in 991 days


posted 517 days ago

A thing of beauty. Great work.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

View mart's profile

mart

170 posts in 518 days


posted 516 days ago

Wow! That is incredible.

Mart

View BANick's profile

BANick

48 posts in 781 days


posted 516 days ago

Great job Blake! The design, craftsmanship and finish all look fantastic. The “unplanned” beading around the drawers add a nice decorative touch to the front, which might have looked a bit too flat otherwise. Love it!
And thanks for the detailed blog, it was quite an adventure that we all enjoyed following.
Nick

-- Nick, Fremont, CA.

View darryl's profile

darryl

1392 posts in 1220 days


posted 516 days ago

wow, that’s beautiful. that top is just stunning.

-- www.darrylmasterson.com ~ www.darrylmasterson.etsy.com

View Blake's profile

Blake

2755 posts in 768 days


posted 515 days ago

Wow, thanks so much for all the comments everyone!!! Marcel T, That’s quite a compliment! I had a great time building this project and it really got my confidence up for full-sized furniture in the future. Already the orders are coming in from family and friends, it will be hard to keep up. What do you think I should tackle next?

Thanks to everyone who followed my blog on the process. I will try to do that with future projects. I got so much great input along the way, so it was beneficial to everyone, it seems.

-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com

View mgradwohl's profile

mgradwohl

190 posts in 707 days


posted 515 days ago

Are you kidding me? It’s GORGEOUS!

View Dorje's profile

Dorje

1767 posts in 891 days


posted 515 days ago

”Already the orders are coming in from family and friends, it will be hard to keep up. What do you think I should tackle next?”

What are the options?

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

View Blake's profile

Blake

2755 posts in 768 days


posted 514 days ago

My sister wants a bed and a whole bedroom of furniture (we’ll see about that) and also a leaf box. My wife wants a huge jewelry cabinet of some kind and a table just like this one without the drop… but there is no space in our tiny studio for more furniture. My boss wants a humidor, and I never got around to making that travel humidor for my friend.

-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com

View lew's profile

lew

4485 posts in 649 days


posted 514 days ago

Blake,

Want more tools??? Start with the wife’s projects!!!! ;>)

Lew

View jeanmarc's profile

jeanmarc

1751 posts in 610 days


posted 514 days ago

Beautiful piece.

-- jeanmarc manosque france

View Dorje's profile

Dorje

1767 posts in 891 days


posted 514 days ago

If you have space for the jewelry cabinet on top of a dresser or something – I’d go for that…

You should do the humidor for your friend too…

Or – do what strikes your fancy!

-- Dorje (pronounced "door-jay"), Seattle, WA

View clieb91's profile

clieb91

681 posts in 829 days


posted 514 days ago

Blake, The sewing machine table turned out looking real good. Sure it is well appreciated. Good luck and can’t wait to see work on other furniture pieces.

CtL

-- Chris L. "Don't Dream it, Be it."

View AverageJaneCrafter's profile

AverageJaneCrafter

2 posts in 519 days


posted 513 days ago

Once again, I just have to say how much I love this project. I even blogged about it!
http://averagejanecrafter.blogspot.com/2008/06/handcrafted-for-crafty.html

:)
Great work!
Rachel

-- Average Jane Crafter, 'Cause crafting is just ... fun, averagejanecrafter.com

View gator9t9's profile

gator9t9

295 posts in 598 days


posted 513 days ago

Blake

Beeee Yutiful …...oh yes …very nice job. And great looking wood …wow ….!!!!!!!!!!

-- Mike in Bonney Lake " If you are real real real good your whole life, You 'll be buried in a curly maple coffin when you die."

View cobbler's profile

cobbler

242 posts in 684 days


posted 512 days ago

SUPERB! The wood is beautiful. Great craftsmanship & design.
Seamstress everywhere are gasping.

-- ''Carry on my wayward son''

View miles125's profile

miles125

1419 posts in 899 days


posted 511 days ago

Just found this jewel. Great job Blake!

-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""

View DanTheLumberJockMan's profile

DanTheLumberJockMan

26 posts in 504 days


posted 503 days ago

I like that you designed this yourself. I know how much harder it is to design and build something rather than following a plan. Good job.

-- Dan, San Diego, CA

View Lee A. Jesberger's profile

Lee A. Jesberger

3710 posts in 873 days


posted 499 days ago

Hi Blake;

I missed this before. You did a great job in both designing and building this piece.

The wood is fantastic!

I bet your mom loves it.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

View FritzM's profile

FritzM

106 posts in 706 days


posted 484 days ago

Hey Blake, I followed the blog, but missed the posting of the finished piece….. wow, you knocked it out of the park! The design is stunningly simple. perfect form with just enough detail to highlight but not overwhelm it! I bet your mom is stoked, you should be too. great addition to your woodworking portfolio!

-- Fritz Oakland, Ca http://www.muegenburg.com (dedicated to my other hobby)

View Michael Brailsford's profile

Michael Brailsford

212 posts in 487 days


posted 476 days ago

This is a tremendous piece of work. The figure on the top is beautiful.

-- Michael A. Brailsford

View Peter O's profile

Peter O

1019 posts in 768 days


posted 417 days ago

Hey Blake – I missed this when you posted it, but today I remembered reading your construction blogs, so came looking for it. I’m glad I did! What a beautiful piece of furniture! The design elements work well together, and the material is beautiful. I don’t have much to add to what’s already been said, except … maybe … “family heirloom.” Great work, Blake!

-- http://www.north40custom.com -- http://north40studios.etsy.com --

View martin007's profile

martin007

110 posts in 669 days


posted 390 days ago

superb! great blog series!
congrats! you should be proud of this gem

-- Martin, Gatineau, Québec

You must be signed in to post the comments.

  • View all advertisers
  • Advertise with us

DISCLAIMER: Any posts on LJ are posted by individuals acting in their own right and do not necessarily reflect the views of LJ. LJ will not be held liable for the actions of any user.

Latest Projects | Latest Blog Entries | Latest Forum Topics

HomeRefurbers.com

Latest Projects | Latest Blog Entries | Latest Forum Topics

GardenTenders.com :: gardening showcase