Introduction: Walnut Coffee Table
Here is my hunk(s) of wood. 8/4 walnut from a local shop. Trued up the sides and planed to thickness.
Step 1: Floating Tenon Jig
I whipped one up and made some maple floating tenons from scrap.
Step 2: Glue Up
Added some dowels between the tenons and glued it up between a couple of bow clamps. Cross cut the ends on a sliding table saw.
Step 3: Filled Any Cracks.
Used a mixture of wood glue, sanding dust and water. Then added some cross braces on the bottom to help ensure it stays flat.
Step 4: That First Coat..
Vinyl sanding sealer then a few coats of precatalyzed lacuer. Applied with a continuous feed airmix kremlin spray gun.
Step 5: Added Some Hairpin Legs.
Thanks for looking y'all.

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9 Comments
4 years ago
Hey TimBTodd, it's been a few years since this build. How has it held up over time? Any cracking or joint expansion?
6 years ago
What is the tape for
Reply 6 years ago
Just to minimize the amount of wood putty that gets into the grain pores. So I don't have to sand as much and can sand more evenly.
7 years ago on Introduction
Somebody else did a walnut table using precatalyzed lacquer. What is it and why do you use it? I have a project in mind for walnut and had just planned on a clear varnish. But then, this is the first woodworking thing I've done since high school shop class.
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
I'm no expert on finishing, but here's what I do know.
Varnish is a good option. Good durability and protection from moisture and UV.
Lacquer in general is solvent based and lower viscosity so is applied with a HVLP spray gun which can result in a super smooth finish. This is why I like it. Both the smoothness and I just prefer spraying to brushing.
Pre-catalyzed (or post catalyzed) lacquer have an added chemical catalyst which is an additional way in which it cures (besides just solvent evaporation) which makes a very durable finish.
7 years ago
Looks great!
7 years ago on Introduction
How to add hairpin legs?
7 years ago
Very elegant.
7 years ago on Introduction
Simple, gorgeous work!