Thread: Sheoak Slab Thickness

Originally Posted by cava

Hi All,

I have a rough sawn Sheoak slab that I had milled up 19 years ago at 50 mm nominal thickness. Overall the width and length really does not lend itself to do anything with, except a small hall table.

The question is, can I resaw it down to 20 mm thick, dress it to circa 15 mm and join the two pieces together successfully? Or is it just a bit to thin, practically and aesthetically, to do this? My thoughts were for a coffee table.

As a top, what thickness of timber has a more pleasing look?

For a coffee table I wouldn't go any lower than 20mm finished; 22-23mm I think is better if you can get it.

What's the thinnest point on the slab now?

Depends a bit on the size of the coffee table, but as elanjacobs says, 20mm+ is usual, However, don't forget that you could put a 20mm frame around a thinner centre, if you're trying to make your timber go further.

I haven't pulled it out of the stack for a while, however all around the edges it measures 50 mm so it is assumed that it is nominal 50 mm all through. Hopefully it is not bowed too much.

I figured that by sawing it in 1/2 I would be best to allow for a substantial cut just to cover the worst case scenario. It looks as if it is not dimensionally feasible to saw it in half unless I can get a very narrow cut. Oh well back to the drawing board.

Thanks for the help guys.

Sheoak can be dead hard, but really beautiful, especially if slightly quarter-sawn.

I'd say 'go for it' and split the slab and join up the two parts.

You can always make a frame or border rebated to go around the edge and under, that's a fair bit thicker, just for the look, if needed.

Originally Posted by Stewey

Sheoak can be dead hard, but really beautiful, especially if slightly quarter-sawn.

I'd say 'go for it' and split the slab and join up the two parts.

You can always make a frame or border rebated to go around the edge and under, that's a fair bit thicker, just for the look, if needed.

Excellent idea...can't believe I didn't think of it