OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

273949 Phil Washburn <prwashburn1977@g...> 2021‑06‑15 Thanks for the inspiration
GG-

Short version-
I have been a long time lurker way down at the far end of the porch, rocking
away for more than 10 years now, since receiving a gentle push down the slope by
our own Matthew Groves (which reminds me I probably should put my bio together
for you all). Over the years I have learned much from you all, but most
importantly have been inspired by you.  So I thought I would share what I
finished thanks to your inspiration.  It isn't much but it is the start.

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/265141/3245815?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0

Long Version-
MLW purchased a pair of bar height Amish made chairs last winter.  Upon bringing
them home she decided a nice bar height table with a cherry top to match was in
order.  I took the commission as any loving husband would do and got to work
coming up with a design.  The base was simple but needed to handle a fairly
solid cherry top.  She likes the live edge look so I planned accordingly.
Luckily an old co-worker just started his own sawmilling company so after a
phone call and some text messages I was the proud owner of a nice 10/4 18" live
edge slab, with a matching 12" piece for the middle.  I had my friend cut the
slab in half so that I could assemble the top to mitigate warping over time.
Once I assembled the top I was able to lay out the size of the base parts.  The
base is poplar stained black.  I ripped the legs from a piece of 8/4 poplar
stock using a nice Richardson Bros. 4 1/2 tpi rip saw.  It was quite an
experience hand ripping 36" lengths in 8/4 wood, but I am stronger for it.  16
hand cut mortise and tenons, another 12 hand cut mortises for the table top
attachment buttons, and 2 half lap joints for the cross pieces and the base was
ready for assembly.

https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/265141/3245805?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0

The only tailed apprentices used was for cutting slots for biscuits when
assembling the top and the beast which spins a sand impregnated paper in a non-
ordered circular pattern to prepare the tabletop for finishing.  I just didn't
like how it looked after flattening the top with my Stanley #5 (jack plane) and
follow-up smoothing plane.  So I backslid to my old ways of using electricity.
Send me to old tools purgatory if I must for my sins.

Here is the finished table with the matching chairs.
https://groups.io/g/oldtools/photo/265141/3245817?p=Created,,,20,2,0,0

I am not sure I would have had the confidence to embark on such an undertaking
if it wasn't for the inspiration of you fine group of galoots.  So thanks for
continuing to share your knowledge with those of us way down at the far end of
the porch.  We may not speak up much because we have nothing valuable to offer,
but we are learning from some of the best.

Phil Washburn
Columbus, OH

Recent Bios FAQ