How I Create Art - The Build ProcessWoodshop NewsWoodworking

Building a Round Walnut Table

Building a Round Walnut Table

My current project in the shop is a 48” diameter round solid wood walnut table. The tabletop will be constructed of 8 walnut planks glued together. The legs will have a slight taper, and per customer request, the apron of the table will be a minimum of 2 ¼” tall to provide maximum legroom to prevent banging knees.

Project Update 2/23/2013

The Top is cut out. I used a homemade compass jig on my router to cut the circle out. This is probably one of the largest circles I have ever made from wood. I`m going to be sad to see it go; it is a lot of fun to roll around the shop.

Project Update 2/26/2013

Mortises are cut out in the legs and ready to cut the taper. I find it easier to cut all the joinery before I cut the final shape in the legs. This way, I will always have a square corner to reference. To cut the final shape of the legs, I will be using a shop-made jig that I saw Norm use at the New Yankee workshop. God Bless Norm. He is like the meat and potatoes when it comes to homemade jigs for the shop.

Project Update 2/27/2013

Base assembled; this is my second go around. After I did my test fit, I decided that the legs were set too far back from the edge of the table, and it just looked awkward. I ended up re-cutting new aprons a bit longer to push the legs out further to the edge of the table; now, it looks a lot better.

Project Update 2/28/2013

The first coat of finish is on. I used Danish oil as the 1st coat. I find that the Danish oil really brings out the natural color of the wood. The final top coats will be a wipe-on poly. For a dining room table, I will probably go to 4-5 coats to finish. Depending on how thick of a build-up I get will determine exactly how many coats I use.

I am finishing the legs and top separately for ease of spreading the finish. I will do a test fit of the top and do the final assembly on-site when I deliver the piece.

Project Update: Finished Table 3/01/2013

 

Follow the link if you want me to build you a round walnut table.


I’m the owner of Benham Design Concepts, a mixed media art studio where I design and build custom furniture and other works of art using wood, glass, stone, and various metals.
In this blog, I talk about the art I create, my journey, and the things I learn along the way.

Leave a Reply