This conference table was made for the newly opened Stark Center at the University of Texas. Most of the material is reclaimed longleaf and curly pine. The split turnings on the sides of the pedestals are of Texas mesquite.
The breadboard ends can be removed and the top separated into two pieces down its length for moving. The halves of the top and breadboard ends are held together with large loose tenons and mechanical fasteners called Zipbolts. The slot that runs down the center of the top accommodates computer and media cables.
The table base is put together with bridle joints and wedged tenons. It can be assembled and disassembled in just a few minutes with a rubber mallet.
Solid wood throughout. Dimensions are 146″ X 60″.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Sawstop Miter Gauge
It has a toothed angle-setting rack that is extremely solid, accurate, and easy to use, and it offers all of the features I love in a miter gauge, including the ability to add an auxiliary wood fence, and a flip-stop that will accommodate it.
Of the planers with two-knife cutterheads, the Makita produced the best surface quality. The knives are very narrow and a bit tricky to change, but Makita provides two magnets for lifting them off the cutterhead, and these make it easier. The machine’s dust port is an odd size, with an outside diameter of approximately 2-7/8 in. I used an adapter to connect it to a 4-in.-dia. hose, but dust collection was only fair. Finally, a full revolution of the height-adjustment wheel moves the cutterhead 3/32 in. The other machines move 1/16 in. with a complete revolution of the handle, a dimension that’s much easier to work with because the most common thicknesses for furniture are in multiples of 1/16 in.
Whiteside 9500 Solid Brass Router Inlay Router Bit Set
Set includes solid carbide down-cut spiral bit (for chip-free cutting), quick-change bushing, template guide and complete instructions. Fits Porter-Cable, Black & Decker and any router with a Porter-Cable bushing adapter.
The Festool Rotex is a top-of-the-line choice. On its coarse setting, it removed stock nearly twice as quickly as the second-fastest model. But that speed doesn’t mean you’ll have to wrestle with it. It’s no huge task to control it with two hands, and its long body gives you plenty of room to find a sweet spot while holding it.
Thanks very much for commenting. When I was milling the individual boards that make up the top, I did some calculating and realized the completed top would weigh in at around 400lbs, making it eventually unmanageable for me in my one man shop. Hence, I had to come up with a plan for a top that could be taken apart and reassembled on site.
I just posted an additional photo showing the table base without the top.
Thanks for posting this! I'm an attorney during the day and saw dust maker for a hobby. I have a cheap craigslist conference table in my office now but would love to make my own table. This has given me the inspiration to do it myself.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
Become an UNLIMITED member and get it all: searchable online archive of every issue, how-to videos, Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking digital series, print magazine, e-newsletter, and more.
Comments
Louis, magnificent material and design. I love the ability to totally knock down this mammoth table for moving. Bravo!
Thanks very much for commenting. When I was milling the individual boards that make up the top, I did some calculating and realized the completed top would weigh in at around 400lbs, making it eventually unmanageable for me in my one man shop. Hence, I had to come up with a plan for a top that could be taken apart and reassembled on site.
I just posted an additional photo showing the table base without the top.
Thanks for posting this! I'm an attorney during the day and saw dust maker for a hobby. I have a cheap craigslist conference table in my office now but would love to make my own table. This has given me the inspiration to do it myself.
Jarod
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in