LumberJocks
DAILY DEALS Router Table Foot Pedal at Rockler  |  DeWalt Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler at Tool King

Carved Coffee Table

Project by Alan Young posted 467 days ago 713 views 2 times favorited 16 comments Add to Favorites Watch

Over the next few days I’ll be posting some pictures of projects I’ve completed in the last year or two but haven’t shared here. To begin here is a carved coffee table. Sapele for the top and Mahogany for the apron and legs.

I started work on this piece in February of 2007 and worked at it sporadically through the coming months, and while it took 7 months to complete, I didn’t do a specific logging of hours.But the real question for me was not how many hours, weeks or months I spent building this piece but rather “How long did it take to learn how to build it?” For that question I’d say I’ve been working up to this piece for at least 6 years and probably more like 10. The carving element is obviously a dominant factor in the design of the piece- but form, proportion, joinery and finish are all factors that were not easily “thrown in” when I began contemplation of this piece. Acquiring the skills to make all the factors in this furniture equation come out with a pleasing answer is a long process.While I am pleased with the result I think there are many ways that this piece could evolve in future iterations.
Alan


16 comments so far

View Michael Brailsford's profile

Michael Brailsford

212 posts in 471 days


posted 467 days ago

very, very nice.

-- Michael A. Brailsford

View SteveKorz's profile

SteveKorz

2030 posts in 592 days


posted 467 days ago

Wow, you’ve done a terrific job on this one! Fantastic!

-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) †

View CharlieM1958's profile

CharlieM1958

7459 posts in 1096 days


posted 467 days ago

Fantastic piece. I have no words adequate to describe.

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

View daveintexas's profile

daveintexas

338 posts in 754 days


posted 467 days ago

You have certainly mastered the carving part. Wow, it makes the table look so rich.

Thanks for posting

-- MISSION FURNITURE-My mission is to build furniture

View Jimboe's profile

Jimboe

81 posts in 628 days


posted 467 days ago

love it … is there a plce on the web that teaches leg making ??

View Texasgaloot's profile

Texasgaloot

467 posts in 578 days


posted 467 days ago

Obviously we are going to be needing to sit at your feet and learn for a while! That is an extremely elegant piece!

-- There's no tool like an old tool...

View Garyb6's profile

Garyb6

262 posts in 508 days


posted 467 days ago

OUtstanding Craftsmanship. Thanks for sharing.

-- Garyb6, “Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler” - Albert Einstein

View trifern's profile

trifern

7890 posts in 645 days


posted 467 days ago

Absolutely spectacular. Thanks for sharing.

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

View Chris 's profile

Chris

1452 posts in 869 days


posted 467 days ago

Oh my….. That is an amazing piece of work.

-- Chris

View Richforever's profile

Richforever

335 posts in 598 days


posted 467 days ago

Love it! Thanks for posting!

-- Rich, Seattle, WA

View ND2ELK's profile

ND2ELK

6065 posts in 652 days


posted 466 days ago

Exquisite piece! You did a beautiful job on it. Thanks for posting.

God Bless
tom

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

View jeanmarc's profile

jeanmarc

1750 posts in 594 days


posted 466 days ago

Very beautiful

-- jeanmarc manosque france

View Woodhacker's profile

Woodhacker

1145 posts in 601 days


posted 466 days ago

Alan, you have every reason to be so proud of this. This is truly a beautiful piece of art/furniture. The carving is phenomenal!

Thanks for posting it.

-- Martin, Kansas

View Alan Young's profile

Alan Young

57 posts in 598 days


posted 465 days ago

I appreciate everyone’s comments. As I mentioned—I spent a number of years working up to this piece. I have legs roughed out and a top almost done ready for another one. Just no room in the house for it!

Alan

View kolwdwrkr's profile

kolwdwrkr

2218 posts in 468 days


posted 127 days ago

looks great. A lot of work, but well worth it

-- ~ Inspiring those who inspire me ~

View a1Jim's profile

a1Jim

15530 posts in 455 days


posted 126 days ago

Hey Alan
This is an amazing piece very well done perfect execution .

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

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