Following on from the previous post, I finished flattening the coffee table top with the hand plane, then used a combination of blck sanding and the Festool rotex to take the surface to #400 finish in preparation for applying the Enduro Var finish. The top was nice and flat and it was a good place to get to in terms of finally getting finish on the most critical part of the coffee table.
The basking in the warm glow of accomplishment didn’t last especially long. I had a rough day yesterday in the afternoon after noticing a couple of divots in the coffee table top, something I had done inadvertently with the ROS. I am a newbie with that tool. The divots were slight didn’t become visible until there were three coats on the top and the afternoon sun was low and the light flat. So, I had to take the 3 coats of finish back off the top and work the surface clean, planing and scraping and abrading, and in the process had a little tear out in one troublesome corner. I felt like pulling my hair out. It was very frustrating to have a setback at such a stage.
It took a while, some sweat and tears, but got things under control in the end. Sometimes smooth sails are interrupted by stormy periods and uncertain path finding.
Just a few pics to share today.
The top after the 3rd coat of finish is back on – partly dried in a couple of spots by the time I snapped the pic:
Looks like a topographic map of the Red planet.
Coffee Table legs and aprons are done through 4 coats:
The coffee table breadboard ends are at the 2-coat stage. Should be finished tomorrow.
The packing crate for the coffee table is mostly built:
At 48″, it will be too wide to roll out onto the loading dock, due to the doors in that area being slightly narrower than a standard opening, so it will have to go out the front door.
Most of the parts for the side table have been polished and I have the apron frame assembled to its dust panel. The drawer assembly is also underway. Anticipating starting general assembly of that piece tomorrow.
The bronze leveler feet have run into a snag as the machinist’s wife is having some sort of serious health issue, so production of those critical pieces has been delayed a bit. Hoping that comes out for the best, and that the parts will be ready in a couple of days. Wanting the ship the table at the end of next week, or the beginning of the following week at the latest (Dec 16th~17th). Fingers crossed.
All for now- thanks for dropping by the Carpentry Way. Post 45 awaits.
Sorry to read this post. Truly a humbling event. After being through a few myself I thoroughly observe the surface with a halogen light at the surfaces height. That usually picks up anything, if I look from several points of view.
The tear out in particular would have driven me madddddddddddd in spirit. The table is beautifully made, don't let this get you discouraged beyond today……………Jack
Jack,
appreciate the commiseration. The 'event' occurred yesterday. Today was a whole new day, and mostly went well. It was a tear-out free day, put it that way.
I've also been having some issues with the top moving a bit more than I would like as the finish has been going on, which is prompting me to considered adding a few more relief kerfs on the slab underside. While I cannot be totally sure that the top will remain flat on its own, I can make it sufficiently weak than when tied to the frame it is unable to cup or bow. That's the main thing.
I wasn't able to observe the table surface quite as well until the finish was on there three coats. When it gets glossier, the flaws appear, as if by magic. I always seem to forget that this is likely to happen and allow extra time for it. Not that I have any extra time, mind you!
~C
Is the table saw in the left background yours? Perhaps a 12/14″ Delta/Rockwell?……………..Jack
Naw, it's just 'around', not mine. It's a 12″ Delta. It's powered up, but the fence is lame. I use it as an assembly table from time to time. Considered making use of it at one point, but it needs a few things and apparently Delta tossed all the spare parts in the trash several years ago. It can stay where it is, as it is not of interest.
Surprised a glimpse of a non-Wadkin device got your attention. Perhaps you should consider joining the Craftsmanship in Wood forum and see a bunch of Japanese heavy metal that may well be new to you?
~C
What a truly amazing build you have made there.
Sorry to hear that the feet are delayed. I hope you will be able to get it shipped as you plan.
Do you mark your work in any way before sending it away? I mean either carve your name or the date or glue on a sticker, or screw on a small brass plate etc.?
A piece like this will without doubt be around for years, so maybe the successors of your customer would like to know who was the craftsman behind it.
Brgds
Jonas
I haven't heard any mention of glue. Is that what the blue tape is for? Or is it to keep those surfaces free of finish? Which would mean this table is held together by the joinery alone? Wow.
Ralph,
many thanks for your questions. The blue tape is to keep finish off of the joinery surfaces. Yes, the two tables are held together only with joinery. I haven't used glue on any piece of furniture for the past 8 or 9 years. The last piece I used any glue on was the French sawhorse as the angled connections were problematic to join with joinery methods.
Jonas,
thanks for your comment and questions. I generally do mark my work with a maker's mark. If I have time I will do so here as well. Thinking also of placing a message inside the structure of the side table, something for the person who disassembles the piece for repair some years down the line.
~C