| Project by Todd A. Clippinger | posted 827 days ago | 2350 views | 33 times favorited | 43 comments | ![]() |
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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






























43 comments so far
scottb
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3341 posts in 1078 days
posted 827 days ago
I LOVE this one!
-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/
WayneC
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5774 posts in 848 days
posted 827 days ago
It IS very nice. Thanks for sharing Todd.
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
Todd A. Clippinger
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4942 posts in 851 days
posted 827 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
WayneC
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5774 posts in 848 days
posted 827 days ago
Good furnature for one thing when I see it… lol
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
Chip
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1058 posts in 844 days
posted 827 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.
Todd A. Clippinger
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4942 posts in 851 days
posted 827 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
Karson
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21155 posts in 1152 days
posted 827 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 †
BassBully
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251 posts in 848 days
posted 827 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!
Todd A. Clippinger
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4942 posts in 851 days
posted 827 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
Max
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11235 posts in 1024 days
posted 827 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
dennis mitchell
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3703 posts in 1066 days
posted 827 days ago
You have so great design skills. I’m always happy to see the next project. Keep them coming.
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
Jeff
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988 posts in 845 days
posted 827 days ago
As always, a fabulous piece, Todd. I also greatly appreciate the depth of commentary in your posts.
-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN
DrSawdust
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227 posts in 849 days
posted 827 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
gizmodyne
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1633 posts in 841 days
posted 827 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
MsDebbieP
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13437 posts in 912 days
posted 827 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)
Roger Strautman
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517 posts in 885 days
posted 827 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"
Kaleo
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201 posts in 891 days
posted 827 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.kalafinefurniture.com
Todd A. Clippinger
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4942 posts in 851 days
posted 827 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
fred
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257 posts in 849 days
posted 827 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.
Bill
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2548 posts in 913 days
posted 827 days ago
You mean he is not?
-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com
jpw1995
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348 posts in 1049 days
posted 827 days ago
How many times can we vote?
-- JP, Shelbyville, KY
Todd A. Clippinger
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4942 posts in 851 days
posted 827 days ago
Aw, Gee Fellas, Thanks.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
rentman
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231 posts in 846 days
posted 823 days ago
man this is the fifth time I looked at this and Im sure I be back!Nice work
-- Phil, Chattanooga,TN
Drew1House
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425 posts in 839 days
posted 822 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
RickInTexas
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45 posts in 804 days
posted 774 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
oscorner
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4573 posts in 1062 days
posted 774 days ago
All you work is impeccable! Thanks for the tip about lacquer. It is gorgeous!
-- Jesus is Lord!
PanamaJack
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4449 posts in 829 days
posted 774 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,
Mark A. DeCou
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1494 posts in 1157 days
posted 774 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 Flint Hill's Artisan
Bill
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2548 posts in 913 days
posted 774 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
woodspar
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705 posts in 851 days
posted 774 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
Paul
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597 posts in 844 days
posted 774 days ago
No words. If you could just see the admiration on my face, that would say it all!
-- Paul, Texas
rb1
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12 posts in 762 days
posted 762 days ago
Beautiful job-
Like woodspar said “the design is graceful and bold at the same time.”
rb1
-- rb1
mot
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4892 posts in 788 days
posted 762 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)
RonR
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69 posts in 759 days
posted 752 days ago
Very well done. The mahogany and ash go together well. Nice design.
-- RonR, Massachusetts
Fingersleft
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71 posts in 647 days
posted 638 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
Sonny
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109 posts in 604 days
posted 599 days ago
......................awsome…..................
DAN
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5391 posts in 734 days
posted 599 days ago
surprised I never noticed this before. the ribbon stripe mahogany is top of the line. very nice original design
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
Patrick Jaromin
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273 posts in 584 days
posted 579 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 http://www.TenonAndSpline.com/blog
Todd A. Clippinger
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4942 posts in 851 days
posted 579 days ago
Patrick, I am honored that it you would find it inspirational.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
socal
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6 posts in 572 days
posted 571 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
gbear
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74 posts in 850 days
posted 390 days ago
Great table Todd…I think I want to build one similar…still looking for ideas.
-- gbear, Carmichael, CA
willy386
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2 posts in 249 days
posted 232 days ago
Nice curves! HA HA. I really like the design. It is not too curvy and modern, just right. Great Job.
-- William Wilmington,NC
HHJimi
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10 posts in 194 days
posted 192 days ago
My favorite piece! Absolutely georgeous!