Introduction: Bar-table

The tools I have used:

  1. Circular saw
  2. Miter saw
  3. Handsaw
  4. Router
  5. Drill
  6. Belt sander
  7. Orbital sander
  8. Chisels
  9. Rubber mallet
  10. Wood clamps

Supplies:

  1. Live edge slab
  2. Fir square beams 69x69 mm
  3. Wooden dowel
  4. Steel strips
  5. Paint brush / paint roller
  6. Paint (matt black)
  7. Paint (matt clear coat)
  8. Wood glue
  9. Screws
  10. Felt

Step 1: Sketching

Step 2: Designing the Bar-table

Step 3: The Work Files

Step 4: Purchasing the Wooden Live Edge Slab

I bought this slab of Ipe wood at a local sawmill.
Ipe, also called Brazilian walnut or lapacho, is a dense and resilient wood that comes from the forests of Central and South America. Like other tropical woods, Ipe bears some unique characteristics. It's a particularly durable wood that weathers fantastically and looks beautiful.

The slab was too long for my design, so I cut off the cracked part.

Step 5: Sawing the Slab

I used an electrical circular saw to adjust the slab.

Step 6: Removing the Bark

I used several chisles and a rubber mallet to remove the bark.
I recommend to use a rubber mallet to prevent damage to your chisles, which must be sharp obviously.

Step 7: Installing the Mild Steel Bars

First I created a wooden jig to guide the router, which I used to create the slots.
I mounted the mild steel bars in the slots, to prevent the wood from cracking.

Step 8: Sanding

I used a belt sander to sand the top. I started with 80 grit and worked in steps up to 220 grit.

I used an orbital sander to sand the live edge sides, with the same grits as mentioned above.

Step 9: Sawing the Legs

Step 10: Assembling the Legs

I glued wooden dowels to cover the screws and subsequently sanded them flush with the frame.

Step 11: Painting the Legs and Constructing the Frame on Top

I had to paint the 'visible' parts three times.
So keep this in mind when you buy your paint and for your time-management!

After the paint, I added two layers of clear coat, to prevent it from damaging and to make it water resistant.

Step 12: Felt Under the Feath

Step 13: Putting on the Finish

This is a clear matt finish.

Step 14: Mounting the Slab to the Frame.

Step 15: Details