Slab Coffee Table

This is a project the Wife has been after for quite a while-lets get stuck in! The design was worked out using Sketchup (a 3DCAD program) and was passed by the Chairlady before construction began. The table is made from a plank of slightly spalted Poplar, with the drawers being made from Zebrano (to match the fire surround in our living room).

Started 30th May 2005

Back

go to Page two

 

The plan!

The board of poplar-20 inches wide, 1 1/2 thick and taller than me!

A quick rub over with the ROS sander to remove any grit and then its layout time.

laying out for crosscutting.

Roughed out using the circular saw.

Cleaning up one edge on the jointer, then rip the opposite side on the table saw.

Removing machine marks with a plane.

close up of the grain.

Squaring the ends using my home-made panel cutting jig. (guards removed for clarity)

Planing the ends clean.

A low angle plane makes a beautiful job!

Mark out the ends.

Cut as much as you can on the table saw.

As much as can be done on the table saw.

Finish off on the band saw.

Clean up with paring chisel.

Mark top from end pieces.

Cut out waste with jig saw.

Clean up with chisels.

one end done.

Both ends done.

Cut biscuit slots.

Two rows of two.

Parts cut to size for the drawer box.

Cut biscuit slots.

And glue the carcass together.

Full extension drawer slides-make full use of the drawers!

Using a spacer mark out for screws.

All screwed into place.

Drawer carcase in place-it will be screwed to the table after finishing.

The Zebrano for the drawer fronts.

Cut to width.....

cut in half and deep ripped for drawer fronts and backs.

nicely bookmatched.

 

Page two

Back