Walnut bartop

[Robert Cougham]

I'm gluing up an edge grain walnut bartop. It's 12'6" by 39 1/4" by 1 1/2". The sketchup picture shows the layout I have in mind. Trying to make the most of the lumber I have available, I plan to make use of a couple of 13" wide planks in the middle of the top with 3" wide legs connecting the two.

A couple of questions: any comments on the layout? Good, bad or ridiculous
I should mention the lumber I have available:
2 13' long by 6.5" wide
25 9' long by 1 1/8" wide
1 4' long by 13" wide
2 4' long by 4" wide

The other question is wood movement, do you think the 13" wide plank will move differently than the 1 1/8 pieces around it?

Cheers, any input would be appreciated

[Chris Padilla]

Since it is all walnut...movement will be the same...no issues there. Your layout is interesting...and balanced...but be sure to pay attention to how everything flow with each other unless it is your intention to somwhat highlight the interesting layout despite all of it being done with walnut. How about laying it all out for us with the real wood and taking some pics? I'd be real interested to see that.

[Robert Cougham]

Thanks Chris,

Here's a photo:
I haven't milled up the center piece yet, thus the mockup, but you can see the 13" panel in the background.

Glad to here the wood movement will be the same. Any other opinions on the layout?

[Robert Cougham]

Oops, one more try.

[Robert Chapman]

Interesting project. I'm doing an dining room table in walnut. It's the first time I've used walnut and I would say that it is the most delightful wood to work that I have experienced. Easy to machine, no tear out, sands easily to a velvet smoothness and is easy to finish. Don't know about movement yet but since it will be used by my daughter in law a few block away I will get immediate feedback about how it holds up.

[Chris Padilla]

Looks very cool, Rob Co.! I'm curious how you will glue it up...what glue you will use...and how you plan to flatten, clean it all up afterwards. Do you have access to a widebelt sander, perhaps?

[Robert Cougham]

Tightbond 2 for the glue.

The plan is to do it in three sections then run them through the planer, then pray that it comes out flat enough. (13" dewalt)

I have access to a 36" wide belt, but not a 39".

I know the open time is an issue for the glue, but there will be two of us glueing and will just have to work fast and have everything ready.

[Robert Cougham]

Well I finished it...:).
Here's how it turned out.223481223482

[Randy Gazda]

Nice job, looks great.

[Bill ThompsonNM]

I like it... Nice work.

[Matt Roth]

2 years later and it's done. Nice to see someone who works like me! Looks great!