Making coffee table (amateur night)

**jdp** · 15th March 2013, 03:29 PM

Hi guys, I'm wanting to make a coffee table and it's my first foray into woodwork of this kind. I've built a few decks, but that's it. I was hoping to build a fairly basic table using jarrah (preferably) dimensions roughly 700 by 1300, but I've phoned a few timber yards and they've basically told me I will not find jarrah in this size. (I'm in Perth). I was told to buy multiple lengths and join them together using a biscuit joint. Not sure if this is a standard thing to do, when making a coffee table?? I'm flexible with what wood I use, but would prefer a hardwood like Jarrah. If I use something else am I going to have more luck finding something in the size that I want? What wood have you guys used for tables? And can someone recommend me a decent timber yard in Perth NOR. cheers

**Sandow** · 16th March 2013, 06:50 PM

Hey there, if you're after a one piece jarrah top you'd be best to try and find a supplier of timber slabs. If it's large enough you could trim the sides square otherwise, the natural edge is a nice feature. If not, then yes. joining boards together is the way to go. Biscuits just make the alignment easier.

**jdp** · 17th March 2013, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by Sandow

Hey there, if you're after a one piece jarrah top you'd be best to try and find a supplier of timber slabs. If it's large enough you could trim the sides square otherwise, the natural edge is a nice feature. If not, then yes. joining boards together is the way to go. Biscuits just make the alignment easier.

Thanks Sandow. What options are there for joining boards together. Or what would be a good join to use for an unskilled amateur with limited tools? Would I be better get a pro to join them.

**justplanesilly** · 19th March 2013, 09:11 AM

hi - there are a number of options to make a tabletop. Biscuits (can get a cheapie machine for about $80) dowels (again, a number of ways from cheap to not so cheap) loose tenons (eg beadlock joining system) or nothing at all except glue. The main thing is to have perfectly square edges and a snug fit with no gaps along the length of the join. You also will need a few decent clamps to keep everything in place while the glue cures. You realize, of course that this is the first step along the path of obsession!

have fun! Regan

**John Samuel** · 19th March 2013, 10:05 AM

Regan is correct. The biscuits/dowels etc are an aid for alignment. They are not necessary for strength. I tend not to use them if my timber is nice and flat and the joints lie together well during the dry assembly ... but it is a personal decision.

Wongo posted a good thread some time ago about keeping a table top flat. Recommend you use it as a guide and a source of information rather than a model to be slavishly followed. https://www.woodworkforums.com/f11/ma...57/index5.html

Especially if you do not have a drum (or belt) sander, take your time getting the timber aligned and flat before gluing it up. Otherwise it can take an age to get the top surface flat.

**DSEL74** · 19th March 2013, 02:34 PM

The other thing to note is you want to buy the timber DAR (Dressed all round) or you will need to have a thicknesser, jointer or be vey handy with a plane.

You will also need to address the smoothness, flatness of the top once joined which will be minimised by the preparation before gluing.

**Sprog** · 20th March 2013, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by jdp

And can someone recommend me a decent timber yard in Perth NOR. cheers

Try Australian Timber Products Pty Ltd (Austim) | 252 Gnangara Rd, Landsdale WA 6065 Australian Timber Products
or Carba-tec 151 Balcatta Rd, Balcatta, WA 6021

**jdp** · 20th March 2013, 05:45 PM

great thanks for the advice. Do people use a combination of dowels & biscuits or do you choose one or the other?

**justplanesilly** · 25th March 2013, 08:09 AM

one or the other - no need/advantage to use a combination.

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