Thread: Reclaimed timber table - WIP

Ooohh...purty!!
You're onto a winner there I reckon

Originally Posted by philster751

My first table build started today. Pulled some boards out of a 1920's dairy barn on my property which you can see in the background of one of the photo's. I'm guessing there is some Blackbutt, and have thrown around redgum, ironbark and various types of box for the rest, but do not have the expertise to be sure! (These may not be great identification photo's but any guesses will be appreciated.) So far have only ran the boards through the thicknesser and jointer and they came up beautifully. I'm sure many of you out there can relate to my almost overwhelming urge to put a finish on them now just to see what they will look like (a splash of water for the photo's couldn't be resisted).

No idea, but it really doesn't matter does it? They are all eucalypt, and they will all look good after a good sand and just about any finish that you choose. Will you be gluing the boards together? Do you have an idea about what you will be doing for the legs?

Regards

Jorge

Thought I had better post an update for this one. I'm sure everyone has been hanging out and i've been swamped with requests.... ok so thats a lie but i'm gonna treat everyone anyway! Just making the table top has offered a fair few challenges to the rankly novice woodworker, but of course this is how you learn and I have learnt a lot. With no real mentor to help besides youtube and google, I also have an oversupply of questions which any answers to would be much appreciated.

1. What exact glue do people prefer for this kind of job? I used Selleys Aquadhere, and whilst all seems to be well now, I did have some problems possibly to do with not enough moisture or very very cold temperatures.

2. I have a hell of a lot of nail holes to fill. I've got a pretty solid handle on filling them with epoxy but wondered if anyone had any recommendations for the best bang for buck black resin?

3. I've taken offcuts and done some testing of different finishes and am favouring danish oil at the moment. Can anyone see any problems with this as a basic finish with possibly a little something on top?

4. Obviously I need to build the base now, and have a pretty standard mortise and tenon apron/leg design with 3 supports for the top. I am struggling with selecting a timber however, and was really disappointed to not make it to the Sydney woodworking show. I know this is really a personal preference thing, but that doesn't mean its not valuable to get experienced others personal opinions! (I DO happen to live just up the up the mountain from boutique timbers and have never been so perhaps a great excuse!)

Any help is much appreciated.
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Thanks so much for any help and tips.

Looking really good so far.

As far as glue is concerned, I've also used Selley's Aquadhere Exterior with no dramas and have also used Titebond III.

Depends what style your after of course, but i quite like the rustic open 'nail hole' look, goes with the use of recycled timber. Gives the table some real character.

I also like to apply a finish to both sides of the top to minimise the chance of cupping.

Keep us posted on your progress, like these WIP's.

Steven.