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Mahogany Sofa Table

Project by Todd A. Clippinger posted 482 days ago 1376 views 20 times favorited 41 comments Add to Favorites
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Todd A. Clippinger

2486 posts in 505 days


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sofa table mahogany asian arts and crafts

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Mahogany Sofa Table Mahogany Sofa Table Mahogany Sofa Table Click the pictures to enlarge them

This sofa table is made of mahogany and ash. I made it for my wife because everything else goes into someone else’s house. This table was made before the sofa table I posted previously, that was made of poplar and bamboo. In fact it was based off of this one.

The inspiration for this table is actually arts and crafts. I think some of the design elements of A&C are a little heavy and it is a little on the “blocky” side. The natural thing to do is to throw in some curves. Sweet sexy curves!

The ash that I used for the slats was actually scrap wood. I happened to find it setting next to the mahogany one day and it struck me that they would go well together. I like ash with the colored streaks in it. I felt that to show the pattern at it’s best, slats would visually work better than spindles. A side benefit was that I also had fewer pieces to deal with.

The finish is a precat lacquer from Sherwin Williams. This is a good lesson for everyone: My wife and I wipe our furniture down with a damp rag only, we do not use furniture polish. The top had been scratched. No problem. I wiped the scar with a rag wet with lacquer thinner to lightly melt the surface. I used a small brush to apply 2 coats of lacquer to the scar. After achieving the build, I did a light sand over the whole top, wiped it with a rag dampened with thinner, and resprayed it. I would defy anyone to find the scratch. Lacquer is easy to repair if it is not contaminated.

I made 7 legs to get 4 good ones. In cutting curved legs it always releases tension in an unbalanced manner and they will “wang out”. I had the same problem in the poplar, on the other table, even with paying attention to the grain.

This table was really a breakout piece for me. It was the first piece that was of exceptional design in comparison to the simpler projects that I had done. This was the point in which I truly got hooked on fine furniture.

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


41 comments so far

View scottb's profile

scottb

2782 posts in 733 days


posted 482 days ago

I LOVE this one!

-- The opposite of war isn't peace. It's creation. -- Wood T's: http://www.printfection.com/snbcreative

View WayneC's profile

WayneC

5690 posts in 503 days


posted 482 days ago

It IS very nice. Thanks for sharing Todd.

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

View Todd A. Clippinger's profile

Todd A. Clippinger

2486 posts in 505 days


posted 482 days ago

Thanks for the compliment Wayne C, but you’re just a dog, what do you know?

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

View WayneC's profile

WayneC

5690 posts in 503 days


posted 482 days ago

Good furnature for one thing when I see it… lol

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

View Chip's profile

Chip

1058 posts in 498 days


posted 482 days ago

Another beautiful piece Todd. The grain and craftmanship are just outstanding. I am in the middle of doing a piece with curved legs and could have used the “7 legs to get 4 good ones” comment earlier. Glad to see that though, so I know it’s not just me. LOL.

Always a pleasure to see your stuff and learn a little bit more about fine woodworking. Thanks for sharing.

-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.

View Todd A. Clippinger's profile

Todd A. Clippinger

2486 posts in 505 days


posted 482 days ago

It may seem like I write a lot of explanation in my text. But I like to make it easy for people to glean the information without writing a tech manual. I hope it helps others further their talent.

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

View Karson's profile

Karson

12002 posts in 806 days


posted 482 days ago

Be careful the Dog lifts his leg around Fire Hydrants, maybe even tables.

Great table Todd. I can see wood bend when you release uneven balance wood. Were the unusable legs dramatically different?

-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com

View BassBully's profile

BassBully

223 posts in 503 days


posted 482 days ago

Great lesson Todd. Thanks. I think the Ash contrasts nicely with the mahogany.

-- There are three types of people in the world, those who can count and those who can't!

View Todd A. Clippinger's profile

Todd A. Clippinger

2486 posts in 505 days


posted 482 days ago

There was a substantial amount of movement. One leg actually twisted like someone was wringing water out of it. It was pretty amazing how much it moved. None of the legs moved until the second cut was made.

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

View Max's profile

Max

5063 posts in 679 days


posted 482 days ago

Todd,

As Karson said the Dog lifts his leg around maybe even table legs… Maybe that dog got to your table legs?? and it wasn’t tension that caused them to twist!!!!!

-- Max "Desperado", Salt Lake City, UT

View dennis mitchell's profile

dennis mitchell

2826 posts in 720 days


posted 482 days ago

You have so great design skills. I’m always happy to see the next project. Keep them coming.

-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com

View Jeff's profile

Jeff

945 posts in 500 days


posted 482 days ago

As always, a fabulous piece, Todd. I also greatly appreciate the depth of commentary in your posts.

-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN

View DrSawdust's profile

DrSawdust

211 posts in 504 days


posted 482 days ago

Todd, that is absolutely spectacular. I really appreciate the explinations you give. Please don’t stop teaching.

-- Making sawdust is what I do best

View gizmodyne's profile

gizmodyne

1455 posts in 496 days


posted 482 days ago

Beautiful grain! Do you spray the finish?

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

View MsDebbieP's profile (online now)

MsDebbieP

11043 posts in 567 days


posted 482 days ago

and I really appreciate the info re: caring for the finished product.

(very lovely)

-- "Functional WoodArt" by Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

View Roger Strautman's profile

Roger Strautman

483 posts in 540 days


posted 482 days ago

Another great design. I liked the way you gave the top and shelf the same curve as the legs to give them a sence of flow or movement with the legs. Well done again Todd!

-- " All Things At First Appear Difficult"

View Kaleo's profile

Kaleo

193 posts in 546 days


posted 482 days ago

Todd-

Once again great table. I was wondering, are the legs curved on 2 sides. They look like the curve from front and side views. Nice work.

-- Kaleo , http://www.kaleosworkshop.com

View Todd A. Clippinger's profile

Todd A. Clippinger

2486 posts in 505 days


posted 482 days ago

The legs are only curved on 2 sides. That is the “secret” of curved legs. Leave the sides facing the other legs flat and curve the outsides only.

In answer to Gizmo’s question: I spray everything. I do light coats, so 4 coats is average to finish. It gives good protection but does not look like plastic. People often get hung up on the number of coats, but that is actually relative to how heavy you lay it on.

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

View fred's profile

fred

257 posts in 504 days


posted 481 days ago

Absolutely fantastic.

I guess you should now be known as ”Master” American Craftsman. You have my vote, what say everyone else?

-- Fred Childs, Pasadena, CA - - - Law of the Workshop: Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

View Bill's profile

Bill

2508 posts in 567 days


posted 481 days ago

You mean he is not?

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

View jpw1995's profile

jpw1995

347 posts in 704 days


posted 481 days ago

How many times can we vote?

-- JP, Shelbyville, KY

View Todd A. Clippinger's profile

Todd A. Clippinger

2486 posts in 505 days


posted 481 days ago

Aw, Gee Fellas, Thanks.

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

View rentman's profile

rentman

231 posts in 500 days


posted 478 days ago

man this is the fifth time I looked at this and Im sure I be back!Nice work

-- Phil, Chattanooga,TN

View Drew1House's profile

Drew1House

420 posts in 494 days


posted 477 days ago

Thats the prettiest piece I have seen so far on the site… Awesome… Not the style we have in our home but I have found myself trying to figure out where I could put it and if I could copy it.

Drew

-- Drew, Pleasant Grove, Utah

View RickInTexas's profile

RickInTexas

45 posts in 459 days


posted 429 days ago

Great looking table. Never would have thought to pair ash and mahogany, but it looks amazing. Especially love the figure and grain that came out in the mahogany.

-- Rick - Spring, TX

View oscorner's profile

oscorner

4576 posts in 717 days


posted 429 days ago

All you work is impeccable! Thanks for the tip about lacquer. It is gorgeous!

-- Jesus is Lord!

View PanamaJack's profile

PanamaJack

4453 posts in 483 days


posted 429 days ago

How did I miss this one when you posted? This is great woodworking art. I love this piece and the contrasting woods (colors).

-- Carpe Lignum - Seize The Wood,

View Mark DeCou's profile

Mark DeCou

1246 posts in 811 days


posted 429 days ago

this is a striking table. I missed it when you posted it, but just caught it this morning. Wonderful lines, nice color contrast, and this would look good at the WDC.

Have you started the “publicity train” for the WDC yet? If you have, I missed it, and will need to go back and catch up.

-- Mark DeCou - Kansas Flinthill's Artisan

View Bill's profile

Bill

2508 posts in 567 days


posted 428 days ago

I agree with Drew, where could I put it, and how can I make one like it (or similar at least).

Wonderful job Todd.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

View woodspar's profile

woodspar

675 posts in 505 days


posted 428 days ago

Todd, it is an exceptional table. The design is graceful and bold at the same time. The base seems solid yet the top floats above all.

It is the details that make this site worth visiting, so please keep writing the details.

-- John

View Paul's profile

Paul

577 posts in 498 days


posted 428 days ago

No words. If you could just see the admiration on my face, that would say it all!

-- Paul, Texas

View rb1's profile

rb1

12 posts in 417 days


posted 417 days ago

Beautiful job-
Like woodspar said “the design is graceful and bold at the same time.”

rb1

-- rb1

View mot's profile

mot

4830 posts in 442 days


posted 417 days ago

I hadn’t seen this one, Todd. Just beautiful!

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)

View RonR's profile

RonR

66 posts in 414 days


posted 407 days ago

Very well done. The mahogany and ash go together well. Nice design.

-- RonR, Massachusetts

View Fingersleft's profile

Fingersleft

71 posts in 302 days


posted 293 days ago

Todd,

Sorry, I found this piece so late. But nevertheless, it’s a keeper. Certainly one of my favorites. My passion is A&C designs, particularly those which show imagination and new interpretation. Yours sure fits the bill.

Great piece!!! I be looking at this repeatedly for inspiration.

-- Bob

View DIABLO's profile

DIABLO

40 posts in 259 days


posted 254 days ago

......................awsome…..................

View DAN's profile (online now)

DAN

2644 posts in 389 days


posted 254 days ago

surprised I never noticed this before. the ribbon stripe mahogany is top of the line. very nice original design

-- ..... smalll army of cast iron wingnuts !! cool photo in FORUM

View Patrick Jaromin's profile

Patrick Jaromin

156 posts in 238 days


posted 234 days ago

Hope ya don’t mind that I “favorited” this one for easier future reference…I’m looking for something just like this or similar for the living room and may need to “borrow” some of your design ideas!

Thanks for sharing!

-- Patrick, Chicago, IL www.TenonAndSpline.com

View Todd A. Clippinger's profile

Todd A. Clippinger

2486 posts in 505 days


posted 234 days ago

Patrick, I am honored that it you would find it inspirational.

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

View socal's profile

socal

3 posts in 227 days


posted 226 days ago

Todd – Fantastic piece. I, too, really enjoy reading about, studying, and finding lessons and inspiration from Brit (early) and U.S. A&C Period builders, designers, and their work. Charles and Henry Greene would have really liked your design, I believe.

Like you, the brothers Greene used Asian and architectural influences to soften and make (in my opinion) their designs warmer and more inviting. I see a distinctly positive difference in the “feel” of their (and yours) designs as opposed to the strictly utilitarian and rectilinear feel displayed by the earlier designs of Morris, Stickley, Roycroft and others.

Thanks for sharing this, I look forward to showing a couple of my own soon – JB

-- -JB

View gbear's profile

gbear

48 posts in 505 days


posted 45 days ago

Great table Todd…I think I want to build one similar…still looking for ideas.

-- gbear, Carmichael, CA

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