As some of you know, I am a landscape designer in Phoenix. I recently completed a backyard with an African theme including tile, stone, bbq, patios, patio furniture etc. Complete with Masks, safari tiles, bongo drum pots etc. In searching for a table for my client, there was just nothing out there that worked. The table is the center of the world when it comes to outside dining and Bar B Que. In wandering through a local wood supplier, I found some spectacular slabs of Bubinga. It was the story waiting to be told. Needless to say, one trip with my clients and it was buy it now.
That was a few months ago. After several posts about how to finish the stuff for outside, and some harsh thoughts I was questioning my commitment. My client had some second thoughts as well. A month later and I still knew this was the table and it needed to be there.
Chris responded back with some ideas, we started emailing ideas, I bought another small chunk and mailed it to him to look at and think about an edge. Two weeks later I had 6 edge details that I had never in my wildest dreams thought about. The arbortech is an amazing tool in the right hands.
I decided then to import some Canadian Craftsmanship to work on the table, he was as excited and enthused as I was. As much as I would like t build it all, and probably could of, sometimes it is more interesting to collaborate. I designed the table, sizing it for the new chairs (still not here) and making a base for the table. The base is steel, which it needs to be for this climate. Washing patios down, termites, wood cutter bees etc make wood a suspect for most things outside. The base is simple, with some Nyala horns on the end, powder coated in a rust color and the bottom feet raise up to reveal hidden leg adjusters.
So we waited for the weather to suit my Northern friend, he was not enthused about the August working climate, and without chairs the table does not work anyway! Chris was here for a week, taught me some great skills on the lathe, and we had a chance to show each other some different ways to work. My wife thought it was like having a foreign exchange student in the house! I forgot how much young ones can eat!
Chris carved and sanded his way through the rough saw marks, formed the edge and we put some finish on it. I will let him describe those details for you. Let it be said that shellac was involved and it was of the proper cut… We both hope you enjoy our adventure!
Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
Replies
Wow that Bubinga is spectacular, just breath taking. I love the edge treatment that undulates much like the grain in the Bubinga. Even though I am more of an 18th century furnture kind of guy, I like the combination of the Bubinga and powder coated steel base...
Congratulations..
Thank you for your observation. Yes the edge is a joy to walk along and feel the waves under your hand. The intent was to accentuate the grain of the wood, and add another sensory level. Her grand kids were over the other day, and they were running around the table with their hands touching the edge. Morgan <!----><!----><!---->
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That is a wonderful adventure with a successful ending; very successful! Congratulations to both of you.
Frosty
"I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922
Spectacular
I also read Chris's blog about working to create the edge and finishing.
Having done a dining room table with bubinga, the one thing I would like to point out which the photos sort of show is that with highly figured bubinga the colors change as you look at the table from each end. When we finally put our table in the dining room and walked around it we were amazed at how from one end it looked dark and from the other it looked golden. Much like an oriental rug.
Great work.
ASK
Funny, we moved the table around and thought about that as well. It really depends a lot on the light source and how it changes. So we set it up the way it looks best from the house and as you first enter the patio! Morgan <!----><!----><!---->
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That shimmering effect you speak of is called chatoyancey....Philip Marcou
Thanks, not familiar with the work. A google search brought up the word without the e.
chatoyancy
ASK
Thanks for that: I dithered over spelling it with an e or not-and thought it looked right with an e....Philip Marcou
philip,
I've seen it spelled "chatoyance".
Ray
I believe you are right, Ray. Chatoyance is the noun. I think perhaps in the jewel world, they might use the word chatoyancy, but I've always seen the plain -ance version in woodworking.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
chatoyanceIs that like when a woman smiles at you and she is really pissed but her face still sparkels?
Will,
chatoyance
It's more like the little prizes in Cracker Jack that show one picture when you tilt it one way, another when you tip it to the other side.
Ray
You guys need a better translation device.
Chatoyance (n) Talkative women that annoy the hell out of folks!
The correct spelling of which is Chatannoyance.
Which has no relevance to the wondrous refractions of light off of the various sublime surfaces of wood. I think we need more words for this effect. Something on the order of the Eskimo snow words. <!----><!----><!---->
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Norgan,
Ha. Good one.
Ray
Hi Morgan,
The adjective 'chatoyant' exits in French and can be related to the beauty of this stab of wood. The word is usually used for images and fabrics. Translation should related to gleams, reflections. The verb itself means 'to have changing reflections'. Finally the name by itself doesn't exist; only the adjective and the verb.
Why don't we say "The beauty of this table top leaves... speechless".
Best,
Serge- Learn from yesterday, work today, and enjoy success tomorrow -
http://www.atelierdubricoleur.spaces.live.com
How strange, I was just talking about this word with someone else. According to the source of all knowledge (i.e. Wikipedia):Coined from the French "oeil de chat", meaning "cat's eye", chatoyancy arises either from the fibrous structure of a material, as in tiger eye quartz, or from fibrous inclusions or cavities within the stone, as in cat's eye chrysoberyl.This definition is in relation to gemology, but certainly applies to wood, especially this table! Wonderful, wonderful!Gatordoc
Who knows how to pronounce that word?
Stef
Shuh-toy-yen-see
I'm a little lost, ASK, might you provide a link to the blog? Thanks!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
At the bottom of Morgans first post is a link to Chris's blog.
I think this is what you are looking for. I hope
Otherwise that word, look it up on wikipedia
ASK
Ahhh, I see the link. I was so wowed by the table pictures, I missed Chris' link!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Lovely table. Thank you (both) for letting the bubinga just be itself.
David Ring
http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e
I had never seen Bubinga in this size before. I had heard about it, seen pictures around, but never in person. Truly difficult to look through 15 slabs and try to pick just one. Knowing when to say when is important. Thanks Morgan <!----><!----><!---->
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To all: sorry for my late appearance - I've been in Costa Mesa, CA and away from a computer.
David,
From my view, the whole idea behind the table was to have the wood itself take the center stage. If we made it much more elaborate, the wood would have become secondary to design. So I guess you could say that the design was lack of design. I don't know if you noticed or could tell from the photos, but the edge was carved in such a way that it followed the grain.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Spectacular wood! It would work as wall art.
PS - Chris's blog was good. Thanks
The Wood Loon
Acton, MA
Hi Morgan,
What else can be said ? It's the most beautyful piece of wood and/or table top I ever saw. I wish I could see it in real and touch it, as children do. You both did a great job. Again, Congratulations. And thank you for sharing you experience.
Best,
Serge
- Learn from yesterday, work today, and enjoy success tomorrow -
http://www.atelierdubricoleur.spaces.live.com
Straighten out those edges, and it would make a great workbench. ;-)
I guess it all depends on what you are clamping to it....;>) Glad you enjoyed our laugh as well! <!----><!----><!---->
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AZMO -
Beautiful table. The colors are just amazing. By any chance, did this bubinga come from Woodworker's Source? I live in Tucson, and they have been selling large, highly figured slabs like this.
Josh
Yes it did, I have sent them and email with photos as well. This one started 14'6" long and 42" wide and of course 2" thickness. You know it took a chain and tackle to flip it over so we finish each side. Quite the process. Check out Chris blog, on the link following his name at the end of the original post. Morgan. Stop by when you come north someday! <!----><!----><!---->
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The base is steel, which it needs to be for this climate. Washing patios down, termites, wood cutter bees etc make wood a suspect for most things outside. The base is simple, with some Nyala horns on the end, powder coated in a rust color and the bottom feet raise up to reveal hidden leg adjusters.
I was going to 'fun' Chris a 'bit More than a BIT' on the slab support. I decided NOT to... From the pictures I had no idea it was steel! I now see why.
Sorry, I type thing as they come to 'my mind' at the moment. I am way off in some cases.
For a table top like that I would hire some GREAT artist to paint the legs fitting for the WOOD on top.
No hate here, AT ALL! Just my observations. Hell, I could not afford the tools to make it much less that slab of wood.
Beautiful even with the drab legs...
Yes I agree the legs are drab for the table. I did 17 designs for the bottom, out of steel, stainless, copper etc. The cost was forbiding. Bending steel and cutting arches is quite a bit of work. Copper accents and such could have been fun as well. In some ways, it just keeps your eye focused on the top, and with chairs around a table, they tend to fade away. As in all design there are tradeoffs. <!----><!----><!---->
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they tend to fade away. As in all design there are tradeoffs... Yes.. you are correct.
Beautiful work!
Morgan,
You'll have to get some more pictures once the chairs arrive. Sorry I couldn't post sooner, but I was having too much fun in Costa Mesa!Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
I posted, then realized you were hangin 10 in Caly. I will get some photos when we do a pro shoot this spring.
So how many routers did you buy this trip? ;>)
Morgan <!----><!----><!---->
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Azmo,
Just wondering about how you arrived at your choice of shellac/ wiping varnish (or was it oil and varnish) for the finish for this table which is apparently outdoors. It appears that it is under a roof, and is in a dry climate, but was the long term effect of exposure to the elements on an interior finish not a concern? Just asking.
Ray
Ray,
I wish I were an expert on this and could have found some better answers. I asked the Experts here, the knots forum, and one other forum. I asked at Woodcraft, Woodworkers supply, Rockler, two cabinet makers who have done cabinets outside for me in Ramadas. Everyone had a different answer and every finish we looked at had pros and cons. I have read 4 books on finishes, non of which address outdoor finish work. I contacted Sherman Williams here in town, and they did not recomend any of their products as a fail proof answer either.
A traditional spar varnish was considered, but I have used it on exterior doors and have seen it fail completely. Peeling and cracking, color change, etc. This finish would require a complete redo every 2 to 4 years. Several clients of mine have boats with wood trim parts and highly discouraged this approach.
A poly finish was also considered, but I really don't like the heavy film effect, and most are not as clear as I like. I have again used several on doors here, and on my own wood floor exposed to high sunlight, which fades badly. Again, to redo this finish it is a restrip and sand affair. There is probably a Poly that would work but I could not find it....
Finally went to the shellac to seal the surface and prevent blotches, though any sanding sealer could work, I like shellac for this. This was scraped and sanded back to bare wood and then a second coat applied, and again sanded down.
The Oil finish is a higher solid, UV stabilized finish, meant for outdoor applications, though I have no experience with it. I would consider it a wiping varnish. It will be a finish that can be reapplied in 6 months or at the end of the summer as needed. I opted for something the owner had a reasonable abilty to refinish without the major issue of stripping and sanding. A good light sanding and it should be able to be reapplied. The table weighs 800 to 900 lbs, and took 8 of us to move into position across a large expanse. You can't pick it up and take it to a refinish shop easily, so a finish that could be reapplied in situ was important.
We have made a Sunbrella fabric cover for the peice to protect it from UV light during the summer and times of the year it is not used. It is under cover but gets late afternoon sun. The top is not level, it is crowned slightly so water will not sit on the surface but can run off to the edges.
That is the gist of it, time will tell now. If anyone who reads this has some suggestions, please post them. Judging by the responses I have had locally, this may not be a one and only project.
Morgan <!----><!----><!---->
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Thanks Morgan,
Sounds good.
Ray
edit: Oh and by the way, very pretty work. But you knew that. Kudos to you and chris.
Edited 11/5/2008 6:52 pm ET by joinerswork
Ray,
Don't tell anyone, but I'm hoping that the finish doesn't last more than a year. That way, we can make a case for me to go back down to Phoenix for a week or so to refinish the table (oh that would be awful!).Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
chris,
"refinish the table (oh that would be awful!)."
Well, if it falls under the category of "Warranty work" it would. I hate warranty work.
Ray
Ray,
Warranty work is different if it means a free trip down to Phoenix. Especially in January or February.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Not a chance, it is July or August for you next time :>))) Time to be a real AZ native. <!----><!----><!---->
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Great table! Would you mind posting your photos in our new community photo gallery? The new format would make those photos really stand out!
http://finewoodworking.taunton.com/gallery
Matt Berger
Fine Woodworking
I just learned how to post them on knots..... ;>) I or Chris will post them there soon. Morgan <!----><!----><!---->
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Absolutely wonderful! Not only have you produced a work of art that will grace someone's home for many years, possibly ages, you and Chris have taken this step to present your creation for all of us to see and have openly shared your methodology.
The base is perfect. Any more would diminish our focus on the top.
There is life after FWW Issue 100!!!!
Don
Don,
We had a sneaking suspicion that the Knotheads would enjoy eying this project. It's my favourite completed project to date. Definately the most talked about! Glad you're enjoying it.
I subscribe to Sam Maloof's philosophy - there are no secrets - anything I know I will share, as long as you ask.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Reading your post "a work of art that will grace someone's home for many years" reminded me of the first conversation I had with my home insurance agent. I told him I was buying this ?????? Ave and the first words out of his mouth were "did you get the pool table?". Which is on the third floor.
Chris/Morgan Given it's heft, do you think this beautiful table will end up becoming part of the house forever, like my pool table?
ASK
While the table is certainly heavy, it is my no means immovable. I think that your pool table ultimately stayed in the house because it wouldn't fit out the door and the previous owners didn't want it that badly. This table is readily accessible and movable with enough bodies.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
So Chris. if my pool table couldn't fit out the door, how did it get in there?
I'm going to be finished with my Bubinga and ebony inlay buffet for the dining room this weekend.
I'll post pictures and we'll see who has the nicer bubinga.
Did you find when cutting the wood there was a definite fragrance that was emitted?
ASK
ASK,
Easy, the pool table was put in the room BEFORE the walls were put up!
A bubinga buffet with ebony inlay... nice!
I bet a billion boardfeet of beautiful bubinga that...
I only noticed a mild, possible sweet smell when working with the bubinga. I noticed it more when I smelled my dust laden clothes than from anything else. Mind you, I was wearing a dust mask when I was working it.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Sort of reminds me of a very old Pool Table in our 'so called home' at the Army base.. I came as I was not drafted... Wooden structure that I am sure the weight of the old pool table held it together from wind storms.
It was a VERY good table we had to move out because they were going to demolish the old wooden structure..
We took it apart. Took 'many a strong young men in tip-top shape' to move it.
The legs were 'turned tree trunks'? Table top slates were 1/2 by 1/2 sized. Three slabs of slate about 3 inches thick and a one inch thick slab on top. Full width and length!
Took a whole day just to get it out onto the ground outside!
That's quite the pool table. Maybe a tad overkill, though. I hope that it was on ground level.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
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