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  1. #1
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    Oct 2013
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    Default Blackbean Dining tablle plan- A few questions?

    Hi all,

    A month or so ago I purchaased some wood of the marketplace (thanks woodchopper) about 8 meters of blackbean 14mm thick. All over 160mm wide. I will be cutting it all down to 150mm so I can use my 6inch jointer.

    Anyway, I have decided to build a dining table with it. I will need to purchase legs (gonna go maybe 5x5cm blackbean????) - what do you all think? and that post will shortly follow.

    So far to learn I have been building boxes to get to know all my tools and get a few techniques corrrect. That being said this will be my first furniture build.

    I essentially plan to make a mortise/tennon frame (skirts) and a top separately then attach the top... That being said how do you attach the top? I can either buy some right angle brackets and screw the frame to the top or put some support beams accross the frame and screw into the top directly.

    Those are my ideas.. what would you experts do?

    Also would you laminate some of the 14mm Blackbean for a thicker table top?

    Thanks all

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  3. #2
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    Blue Mountains
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    Default

    14 mm doesn't sound thick enough for a dining room tabletop, in my opinion. I guess it depends on the overall size, but I'd want a thicker top.

    Using metal brackets won't allow the top to expand and contract, so it's not advised. You'll find some posts on the forum that show how to use "buttons" to attach a table top to a frame. They keep the top flat, and also allow for expansion and contraction.

    You could post some drawings of what you're proposing to build, and get more feedback before you start cutting your valuable timber.

    cheers,


    ajw

  4. #3
    Join Date
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    Default How thick?

    Hellofellow, if the black bean is 14MM and you need to put it over the jointer after you reduce the width do you also have to thickness it? If so you could be in big trouble

    I also think it's too thin for a table top as it is at 14MM, should be at least 25-30mm or even thicker.
    Personally I wood look at it for something else and get some slab timber for a tabletop, african mahogany and plenty of other slabs can be found on eBay for reasonable money.
    Is there a mens shed in your area, maybe someone there could help you get started. Tables are not hard compared to say chairs but there are still some traps to avoid, especially when attaching the top to the frame.
    Anyway, all the best, hope you get it sorted Ok,
    Cheers, Ian
    "The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot.. it can't be done.
    If you deal with the lowest bidder it is well to add something for the risk you run.
    And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better"

  5. #4
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    Default

    Hi HF,

    I also think that 14mm is too thin for a table top. You mentioned veneering. Have you done this before? Personally, I prefer a solid timber table top. Whatever you decide to do, treat the timber as if it could kill you. Blackbean is toxic, so be sure to wear a breathing mask, gloves and probably eye protection as well.

    Where are you getting your Blackbean squares from? You may find that you are limited in size (say 75 x 75 or 60 x 60 mm) so you may need to think about making laminated legs.

    Regards,

    Rob

  6. #5
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by LGS View Post
    Hi HF,

    Whatever you decide to do, treat the timber as if it could kill you. Blackbean is toxic, so be sure to wear a breathing mask, gloves and probably eye protection as well.


    Rob
    Very good advice!

  7. #6
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    Default

    Also a good idea to have long sleeves etc. Paint shops (maybe hardware stores too) have disposable full body suits, definitely worth looking into. Also, make sure you have a good mask, the disposable ones don't seal around your face properly. If you can't get a full face mask, at least seal your eyes up with swimming goggles.

  8. #7
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    Oct 2013
    Location
    East Ballina
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    Thanks all.

    Really appreciate the advice. Maybe I'll give the table a miss. With 8 meters I do have enough to laminate some together making it 2m thick ( a little less after jointing, and I agree with the first post, thicknessing).

    Is it worth this approach or not really?

    I will take all of your advice and buy a good face mask and goggles with a seal. Thanks again

    If I choose a different project- what would you all make with 8meters of 14 mm timber @ 150mm? Any good beginner projects that would be nice addition and good at this thickness?

  9. #8
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    Aug 2008
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    Default

    You don't have enough for a dining table, by the time you dress it you'll be down to 11-12mm thick and your dining table will be joined to 2m long, 300mm wide and 22mm thick with no legs.
    I'd stick with a small coffee table, side table or cabinet - to better suit the size of timber you have.

  10. #9
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    You could try something like this (below). The panels in the top are about 15mm deep, surrounded by a border of complimentary timber which is about 18-20mm. The legs are 50 x 50 mm. 50mm deep timber is often easier to get than squares. You probably have sufficient Blackbean to make a couple of matching tables.

    Regards,

    Rob
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