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.

Comments

[jespoir]

Hey TimBTodd, it's been a few years since this build. How has it held up over time? Any cracking or joint expansion?

[Stephanie NJ]

What is the tape for

[TimBTodd]

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.

[walter.warren1]

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.

[TimBTodd]

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.

[ClenseYourPallet]

Looks great!

[HungThang]

How to add hairpin legs?

[Metalweasel]

Very elegant.

[seamster]

Simple, gorgeous work!