Thread: Ryan's trestle table

nice work ryan well done

Ryan, top marks! Love the leg construction. Reminds me of something Gothic, can't quite place it. Is big leaf maple the same as hard maple? How close to the top surface of the bench do the sliding dovetails go? (and how did you cut them in the middle of such a large top?)
jacko

Originally Posted by jacko

Ryan, top marks! Love the leg construction. Reminds me of something Gothic, can't quite place it. jacko

The flying buttresses of Chartres cathedral?

A really beautiful table, Ryan. I think it merits an article in a woodworking magazine, if, as you imply, the design is original.

Rocker

Thanks guys!

A really beautiful table, Ryan. I think it merits an article in a woodworking magazine, if, as you imply, the design is original.

The design is totally original. Funny you say that David. I originally intended to write an article (about furniture design trigonometry, and layout techniques)for fww at the begining of the project, but intimidation got the best of me. this one is for a client (my first!). Swmbo and I like the design though and I'll probably write the article when i make our table out of Hawian Koa.

Is big leaf maple the same as hard maple? How close to the top surface of the bench do the sliding dovetails go? (and how did you cut them in the middle of such a large top?)

No, big leaf (western maple) is quite softer than rock maple, has orangeish heartwood tones, and is much more finicky to work with hand planes. it's also i found prone to ring shake. The sliding dovetails go 3/4" way through the 1.25" top. much to far for comfort for me, but the top kept cupping and i kept planing it flat. I cut them with a hand held router and hardwood fence.

Ryan, very impressed. The bracing reminds me of some of old timber church roof supports I've often admired.

By the way, watch those rocks the next time you cut your lawn.

Love your work Ryan! Where on earth do you find the time for such involving joinery? Even though it's not Hard Rock Maple, it still looks like a beautiful timber with some nice figure. I might be stating the obvious, but is this table an outdoor's table?

very attractive joinery indeed. well done!

Originally Posted by martrix

. I might be stating the obvious, but is this table an outdoor's table

No, it'll be their dining table. I just like photographing my work outside. i think it brings out the figure in the wood.

Where on earth do you find the time for such involving joinery

it's my humble opinion that spending a little extra time to make sure the piece lasts an extra few decades is time well spent. we owe the trees that much at least.

Originally Posted by DPB

By the way, watch those rocks the next time you cut your lawn.

nah, to need to cut it i'd have to water it. I just let it die then spray paint it green

Wow, that's really nice Ryan. I really like the emphasis on structural elements, especially when they serve a practical purpose like allowing leg room and stabilising the top. The way you've done it, the whole thing seems to fly.

Originally Posted by ryanarcher

nah, to need to cut it i'd have to water it. I just let it die then spray paint it green

Sound like you went to the same gardening school as me.

Really good effort on the table Ryan!!!

All ya need to do now is build the 45 seats to go around the table!

Ryan,

I am speechless - this is superb work.

Give up your day/night job mate, you are denying us all more beautiful furniture by staying away from your shed.

Hi Ryan,

great work as usuall, I really like the design of this table, I wouldn't mind a cutting list if you have one. I'm currently gathering designs for a dining table, hopefullly I'll start work on it next summer (Oz time).

BTW I'm thinking you should keep your day job, I for one appreciate the work the fire fighters do.

Himzo.

Very nice work Ryan. Your client should be extremely pleased.

That is one beautiful, solid looking table Ryan! Very nice work! Looks heavy ... what would it weigh?

Cheers
Tikki