I assembled the table using Titebond II wood glue on all the tenons and clamped them together. The glue has plenty of working time allowing me to clamp it all at once. This helped ensure the base was square when dry. I did not have enough larger pieces to make a solid top. The top features a breadboard style assembly which aided in keeping the top flat and providing strength to the table. The tabletop is just over one inch thick which adds to the rigidity of the table.
The Table is completed with final sanding and ready for stain. I used General Finishes gel stain in Java. This slowed down the progress due to the drying time. It has been a little cool here in NC lately. After assuring the stain was dry I finished with General Finishes Flat out Flat. The top feels soft to the touch and has a hand-rubbed feeling in my opinion.
My client understands wood. He enjoys cutting down trees and making slabs. So he knew that it would be a challenge to complete this table in time for Christmas and the slabs were less than ideal. Unfortunately because of the drying time for the stain he had to wait until New Year’s to give it to his mother.
She loves the table and is happy that the tree was from her property adding to the sentimental value from her son.