Black Heart Sassafras Dining Table

**Craig123** · 29th October 2011, 08:31 PM

Hi,

Just thought I would actually post for once instead of just reading everybody else’s posts. I am a newbie wood worker and often refer to these forums.

I have recently build myself a blackheart sassy / black wood table and very happy with the results. However, I could not have built this table without the help of these forums. From everything from not knowing what a button was to how to finish the table properly came from information within these forums. So I thought I would put together in one post what I had completed and learnt so far.

I originally went on a wood finding excursion to Tasmania (as I was working there at the time) and visited some common and out of the way places. I found some great pieces at Distinctive Timbers - www.distinctivetimbers.com.au/ I bought some sash clamps and then joined the timber using biscuits and PVA glue. I found I had to join the timbers one at a time as I could not get rid of the gaps when I did it all at once. I also initially had some issues with the biscuit joiner, as it did not cut big enough holes (maybe not the right setting?).

Once joined, I sanded the back side of the timber with a belt sander and then a ROS. I found the belt sander was a bit harsh and could not rework all the belt sander marks out properly. So when completing the top I only used a ROS and found a much better finish.

For the frame, I had some old spotted gum posts which I had originally used for my deck. These were originally rough sawn and weigh a ton! I then got some 90 x 32 tas oak for the rails.

I cheated a bit for the frame and found some metal brackets online in which to join the rails to the legs. The metal brackets were great, and found that once tightened up, the frame became nice & square.

Finally and to not crap on too much, I finished the table using a sanding sealer and pre-cat lacquer finish. I hired a HVLP from Kennard’s and bought the paint from paintmobile in Preston (much cheaper than Wattyl).

Anyway have a look at the pictures and let me know your thoughts - if anyone wants more info just post.

**groeneaj** · 29th October 2011, 09:21 PM

Mate, you've done a really good job

How long did it take to build? I really like the blackwood with the blackheart!

Did you take any pics of you making it?

Andy

**Craig123** · 29th October 2011, 09:42 PM

Thanks Andy,

It took about 2 months completing it mainly on weekends, in between my normal job. See attached some photos WIP - as per usual. didn't take enough photos

**LGS** · 30th October 2011, 07:12 AM

Beautiful table, Craig. Well done.

Regards,

Rob

**Scott** · 30th October 2011, 07:32 PM

Seriously nice table there Craig, very impressed, especially the combination of timbers and finish.

You're only just around the corner from me, might do a midnight raid!

**BobR** · 30th October 2011, 09:18 PM

You should be pleased with the table. Interesting feature running down the middle. Nice work

**Craig123** · 30th October 2011, 09:25 PM

Thanks Scott but good luck stealing the table as it weighs a ton

**Paulphot** · 1st November 2011, 07:06 PM

Great looking table Craig, you should be very proud of yourself.

**Pops** · 1st November 2011, 08:17 PM

Hi Graig,

What they all said. Great looking table, particularly for a first table. Goes well with that timber flooring too. Will be around for a while that 'not so little' table.

Also like the fugure in the centre board.

What are the dimensions by the way and what thickness is the top? Oh, and how many coats of lacquer did you apply?

Cheers
Pops

**Claw Hama** · 1st November 2011, 08:31 PM

Yep great job. Love the flame down the centre.

**Ruddy** · 1st November 2011, 08:37 PM

I agree, a great job. Love the choice of timber and the way you presented the table top.

**Sandow** · 1st November 2011, 09:39 PM

As mentioned mate, really like the middle feature. love the bh sassy, can get some really nice features in it. Did you find it took much to sand smooth?

**Craig123** · 2nd November 2011, 11:29 PM

Hi,

Thanks a lot for the nice comments, from the questions the table top is about 35mm thick with the overall table dimensions being 2.5m x 1.3m - we were aiming for a 10 seater but it could fit 12 with 2 at each end being slightly close together.

It took about 2 hours to sand each side, the sassy wasn't too bad but the blackwood was harder and took longer. Overall it came out pretty good, started with 40 Grit and went up in steps to 240 (80 / 120 / 240), which got it to a nice finish. I put 2 coats of sanding sealer and sanded to 320 then 400 inbetween coats. It was then finished with two coats of lacquer wihtout any sanding inbetween. I could have put more coats of lacquer but was pretty happy with the finish.

The main reason why I selected this wood was the blackheart centre feature - I reckon I was pretty lucky to find a peice of wood like this. The picture attached is the peice of timber that I started with. Distinctive timbers cut the boards and planed to get to the thickness and width of each peice as required.

btw the floors are karri hardwood floors which I laids about 2 years ago.

**Pops** · 3rd November 2011, 12:57 AM

Hi Craig,

Thanks for the information on size etc. I do like a nice big table. That centre piece makes it a unique table, it is a winner.

Good job on the floors by the way.

Cheers
Pops

**rod1949** · 3rd November 2011, 10:22 AM

Looks pretty neat, well done

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