Thread: What do you think

You are right about the legs - but I don't know what to do about it.

Maybe just to break it up a bit I would have made angle bracket shaped legs - so looking from on top something like this > <

OK I like the top and the edges but the legs do seem to be a bit bit clunky. Perhaps an arch to lighten them a bit?

hmmmm I agree, but they are already glued and dowled ......

I reckon it looks alright, and remember it will have all sorts on it when it is in use, mags, vases, coffee cups etc. And it will look different when polished, you could deaccentuate the legs by finishing them with a flatter finish than the top.
Also you said it wasn't for you so I reckon if they like it, good job done. And it is a good job
cheers
frank

Arry

if it were me, I'd put a slight taper on the legs and a subtle curve on the top edges -- as well as rounding everything over with something like a 1/2 or 3/4 roundover bit.

BUT more importantly
how are the legs attached to the top?
I ask because the grain in the top seems to be a right angles to the grain in the legs
moisture changes will increase the distance between the top and the floor, but make the top wider -- which potentially is a problem

I would take an arc section out of the bottom edge of both legs. This will appear to lighten the way it rests upon the floor. Start maybe 30-50mm from each side and make the centre of the cut reach about 50 or so mm above floor height? try a few different arcs until you get the right one. Or just leave it, with the finesses as above.

What Mic says should help although I would start in about 80mm. You went astray when you changed direction with that busy grain. The grain in the legs always has to be virtical, doesn't sound like much but it changes the whole feel and look of the table.

Have to agree with Mic's idea, although if you want to stick with squareness and angles why not, instead of a curve, cut a wide, shallow "V' into each leg?

Originally Posted by artme

Have to agree with Mic's idea, although if you want to stick with squareness and angles why not, instead of a curve, cut a wide, shallow "V' into each leg?

oh yeah I like that idea. Rather than bring the ^ down to ground level, I would offset it up a little and finish each side with a vertical cut.

Originally Posted by mic-d

I would take an arc section out of the bottom edge of both legs. This will appear to lighten the way it rests upon the floor. Start maybe 30-50mm from each side and make the centre of the cut reach about 50 or so mm above floor height? try a few different arcs until you get the right one. Or just leave it, with the finesses as above.

I like this idea. I have attached a couple of pics of a slab coffee table I made for my sister with something similar. Also I incorporated a pegged, through M & T joint for a stretcher bar.

Partially cutting away the lower edge of the legs also has a practical benefit in allowing the table to sit better on the floor (undulations and other uneveness).

Regards
Paul

HI ARRY
I like the idear of an arch in the table legs and maybe a round over on the edges. john

Cheers for all of the ideas guys....maybe I can make a template on the bandsaw and cut it out with the router..hmmmm

I might have a look on the net for pics...I think I pretty much know what you all mean though.

Cheers for the tip Claw Hama...I never really thought of that......ggrrrr too late now I guess

lol

I cannot believe it, I just did a search on google for slab coffee table and below is a collection of pics that I got.....

Hi Arry

Those tables may resemble yours but they are different in proportion.

The two criticisms I have of yours are ..

1. The top is too square for its height - either raise the legs or make one side narrower.

2. The legs are too thin, which is exaggerated by the current width and height. Either cut away an arc, as suggested (I like that idea), or cut away the legs and rebuild them as a two-piece right angle (I like that better)

Don't be afraid to start again. You can fill the dowel holes. Anyway no one will see them under the top.

Regards from Perth

Derek