Slab-top table construction - general advise sought

**galvarez** · 18th April 2006, 01:02 AM

Fellow Woodies

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I will be making a slab-top dining table. In terms of timber stability, what should I be cautious of and prepared for in order not to have problems down the line with warping et cetera?<o

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Are there certain timbers that are more problematic than others?<o

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Ideally what moisture content should the timber have and is acclimatization to the local area needed?
If a slab contains end-cracks are these best cut out to prevent future spread or should they not run if the slab is adequately seasoned?<o

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>I am not sure what species of timber I will purchase; the answer to these questions will no doubt determine this. I much like the look of River Red Gum and this seems a commonly used timber for such tables, but I may go for an exotic timber, such as Rain Tree, African Mahogany, or Queensland Maple. I’d be very keen on hearing from other peoples’ experiences (good and bad) in the making of a slab top table and the issues confronted.<o

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My thanks for all comments and advise offered.
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Gus :eek: :confused:

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**dan_tom** · 18th April 2006, 08:35 AM

Hi Gus

We made one out of river red gum about three years ago and it is still going strong. No new cracks or warping, which is good! The timber came from Mackay, then transported down to Sydney (there we used to live) and now in Brisbane (where we live now). I thought the movement and change in humidity would cause some change. We filled the holes and knots with epoxy resin. We made the top so it is able to be lifted off and separate from the bottom section. It would be very heavy if we didn't, as it is a 8 seater place setting. I guess this construction in itself has elminated a few potential problems.

My only hindsight thought is that I should have sanded it more evenly, in long movements with the belt sander, working vertically rather than horizontally. That way it would feel smoother across the dining table top. Hope that makes sense.

Cheers
Dan

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