I love woodworking, and I have been making these tables for many years. They are not hard to make, but they look gorgeous when they are done.
My instructable will show you how to make your own a one of a kind table like this, without a lot of fancy tools. You only need access to either drift wood or some fallen trees, and a little imagination!
This is my first Instructable and also my entry into the Shop Bot and Furniture Contests. So if you like this project, I would really appreciate your votes!
I have included pictures of some of the other tables I've made. I hope you like them!
My instructable will show you how to make your own a one of a kind table like this, without a lot of fancy tools. You only need access to either drift wood or some fallen trees, and a little imagination!
This is my first Instructable and also my entry into the Shop Bot and Furniture Contests. So if you like this project, I would really appreciate your votes!
I have included pictures of some of the other tables I've made. I hope you like them!
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials & Tools
Selecting Pieces of Wood:
For this project I used a piece of cut Cedar for the table top and base and a piece of Juniper for the table leg; but you don't have to use these types of wood! Almost ANY kind of wood can be used.
The table will be more interesting and beautiful if it has some nice bends and color, so use your imagination when you select pieces to use. Look for fallen trees from storms, or from an old logging area, or find driftwood from a lake side.
The pieces don't have to be perfect. If there are some rotten areas, I will show you how to transform the wood into a gorgeous table!
I am using a base that is about 1 1/2 inches thick and a table top that is about 2 inches thick. Make your pieces however thick you want, just leave it thick enough for strength. These tables are not very heavy when they are done.
Note: Make sure your wood pieces are fully dry before you make your table.
Various Rocks (to fill any rotten areas of the wood)
You don't have to pick any special kind of rocks, just look for pieces that have nice color and shine when they are wet. Some of the rocks I used are called Mica, but use what you are able to find. If the pieces are big you can break them down with a hammer or large rock. Wear safety glasses!
Varnish
When your table is done, you'll have to finish it with Varnish. The product I used (see photo) is very thick and works GREAT for this project. It makes a varnish layer that is 50 times thicker than regular varnish. You might want to try looking for it online, or buy a similar product where you live. If you must use regular Varnish, simply add enough coats to ensure the wood is well protected and sealed.
Tools & Additional Supplies
Note: Make sure you use safety glasses, and any ear protection, as needed when using power tools!
For this project I used a piece of cut Cedar for the table top and base and a piece of Juniper for the table leg; but you don't have to use these types of wood! Almost ANY kind of wood can be used.
The table will be more interesting and beautiful if it has some nice bends and color, so use your imagination when you select pieces to use. Look for fallen trees from storms, or from an old logging area, or find driftwood from a lake side.
The pieces don't have to be perfect. If there are some rotten areas, I will show you how to transform the wood into a gorgeous table!
I am using a base that is about 1 1/2 inches thick and a table top that is about 2 inches thick. Make your pieces however thick you want, just leave it thick enough for strength. These tables are not very heavy when they are done.
Note: Make sure your wood pieces are fully dry before you make your table.
Various Rocks (to fill any rotten areas of the wood)
You don't have to pick any special kind of rocks, just look for pieces that have nice color and shine when they are wet. Some of the rocks I used are called Mica, but use what you are able to find. If the pieces are big you can break them down with a hammer or large rock. Wear safety glasses!
Varnish
When your table is done, you'll have to finish it with Varnish. The product I used (see photo) is very thick and works GREAT for this project. It makes a varnish layer that is 50 times thicker than regular varnish. You might want to try looking for it online, or buy a similar product where you live. If you must use regular Varnish, simply add enough coats to ensure the wood is well protected and sealed.
Tools & Additional Supplies
- Hand saw or chain saw to cut the wood pieces to take home and to cut later to size.
- Sander & Sandpaper (Electric is faster, but you can use a sandpaper block)
- Planer (if your wood is cut too uneven for a sander)
- Chisel or other sharp tool (to clean away loose and rotten areas of wood)
- Level
- Pencil
- Drill & Drill bit (to cut dowel holes)
- Pre-made dowels to attach table top (Available at most home improvement stores, or you can make them.)
- Wood glue
- A few screws (to attach the base to the table leg)
- Disposable dish to mix your varnish
- Paintbrushes to apply your varnish
- Propane Torch (to heat the varnish and remove any air bubbles. Also recommended by the Varnish I used.)
- Strong Wide Tape (used on wood edges where rocks are used as a filler, to keep rocks from falling out.)
- Work bench & some clamps (to secure your wood pieces during sanding).
- Tape Measure
Note: Make sure you use safety glasses, and any ear protection, as needed when using power tools!
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Great job Dad!!!
I thank you.If you find interesting pieces of wood,the results will be pleasing to see.Will you vote for me?
Thank you for voting .Your entries are interesting,keep those ideas coming!
Iv a large desk with a serious ruined spot that I'm going to try this on
and embed a NIB magnet with epoxy to hold it down under a thin rock :-)
Beautiful work !
A
You should really give the rock treatment a try. My dad has made MANY of these tables, and they look gorgeous when they are done. If you can find some really cool looking, shiny rocks, they work the best, but anything you find interesting will work. - Liisa
I do terrible things to rocks.
Grind them, slice them and sometimes polish and drill them.
It might make a neat ible some day when I can display it properly :-)
A
You should post an ible when you get time about what you've done with rocks. Sounds interesting. (I always wanted a rock tumbler when I was younger!).
Now on the lookout for wood....
thanks;happy hunting for the wood,that is half of the fun!
thank you;your materials sound good
thank you,if my project was any help,thats good
Very nice comment btw, I'm sure my dad is grateful. Thanks. :D
Thank you,happy writings!
Happy hunting!
Thanks a lot,good luck
Thank you,tables are very useful in my home.