Building Federal Style Table Part 5 – Apron String Inlay and Apron Assembly

[Mike Allen1010]

Based on views/ responses, seems not much interest in this thread. I’m totally cool with that. One of things I like best about SMC is community interest drives how many views/responses any individual post generates. Goodness knows, I have no vested interest and certainly don’t want to burn time/effort producing a thread that generates limited interest.

Accordingly, I’ve included pics below of the next stage of the build with limited comments. Please feel free to offer any questions/comments, as my primary motivation is to add value where I can.

All the best, Mike

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[Mike Allen1010]

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[Mike Allen1010]

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[Mike Allen1010]

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[Mike Allen1010]

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[Mel Fulks]

Mike, I admire the way you always have a project going and I follow all of them. You set a good example for over coming perceived set backs and moving forward.

[John T Barker]

Excellent work. Superb and I've been around some excellent craftsmen. Aren't the inlays on the legs supposed to be burned? A pot of hot sand was the method I saw. (Did you know if you google (image) federal leg inlay a bunch of the pictures are yours?)
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[Marty Schlosser]

Very impressive work. I've yet to achieve such level of craftsmanship with my inlays, but this is certainly inspiring me!

[Phil Mueller]

Very, very, well done, Mike. No doubt the Mrs will be proud to show that off.

[Stewie Simpson]

Excellent work Mike. You have acquired the patience of a saint.

regards Stewie;

[Brian Holcombe]

Less views often means there isn't anything to argue about, which is what drives views. I was initially disappointing to me to see that a post on sharpening stones would generate far more traffic than a post on actual woodwork, but it's just how it is.

In either case, the work is beautiful Mike! The table is really shaping up nicely and has a very elegant stance. I can't wait to see it with a top on.

[Prashun Patel]

I'm impressed with this project. Your pictorial really illustrates how painstakingly involved each step is. There are just so many details that make it intimidating and wonderfully executed.

I wouldn't be put off by the low number of views. This is really nitpicking - but for me, I think fewer, smaller pix that you can see quicker without having to scroll down gives is easier to follow. I also look forward to the words and reflections of the author even more than the pix.

I would also keep all the "Parts" to a single thread. If I ever want to build this, it'd be nice to have it all in one continuous thread. Subconsciously, too, if I see a "Part 4" thread, and I haven't read Parts 1-3, then the investment of having to search out those parts is too much for me, the lazy viewer, so I hypothesize that picking up viewers later in the season becomes difficult if you start new threads for those episodes.

Anyway, I love the build, and have been following gratefully.

[Will Boulware]

Mike,

Please, please, PLEASE don't infer anything from a few low traffic numbers. Your posts are a regular source of grounding for me (and probably a lot of others here) as you are one of the few who step away from the threads on sharpening stones and sawstops and actually build things! I've read every one of your federal table posts so far and really appreciate the time and effort that goes into them. Many of us have built plenty of stuff but have never taken the time to post any of it. That said, we all enjoy a good build thread, and we really enjoy a GREAT one like this has been! Every build thread is a great learning opportunity, and I hope seeing yours will motivate more people to get out there and build things!

Do you have any finish on the last few pictures or did it just pop like that on it's own? Incredible work!

[Dave Beauchesne]

Verrrry nice Mike - Very nice -

Dave B

[James Tibbetts]

There is also the "stunned silent" group of us. Incredible work. Thanks for posting it.

[Chad Irvin]

I don't post much but definitely a nice build by any standard.

[Don Slaughter]

Mike, you amaze and inspire me...but I think you already know that. This federal table is remarkable....I've seen your work and knew you were capable of this kind of precision work and it is real great to see your step by step builds. Please don't stop posting...it would be a grey loss to all of us at the creek!

Don

[Mike Walsh]

Beautiful work!

[Mike Wilkins]

Really fine woodworking. Love those inlays. Very inspirational work.

[David Dalzell]

Just a question. The wood looks like mahogany? What type of mahogany is it?

[Mike Allen1010]

Thanks guys for the feedback and suggestions about how I can improve my posts so there more readable/user-friendly. I'm going to put those ideas into practice.


I'm embarrassed I mentioned anything about views/comments. Only now in retrospect do I I realize how whiny and needy that sounds. Yikes – certainly not my finest hour. My apologies.


I've learned so much on the creek and have been inspired to try new skills by the many talented and generous Creekers to post here. My objective in posting any build thread is simply to pay that forward by sharing the "how-to" steps in a project in the hopes others will find it interesting and perhaps be encouraged to stretch a bit out of their comfort zone to try something new.


I think too often woodworkers can be intimidated by certain projects/skills they may see as beyond their capabilities, but if they were to give them a try they would find it's not nearly as hard as it looks. I've certainly been intimidated many times; looking at a piece of furniture in a magazine, book, Museum etc. and thinking "there's no way in a million years I could ever do something like that. Even if I did try it ,it seems like there's no room for error so why make the effort".


IMHO, I think there is always a way to recover from mistakes, even if they seem catastrophic at first blush. One of the pictures in my post above is of a front table leg where I sawed the bridle joint on the wrong face – yeah that's right, 90° off plan – big saw kerfs right down the middle of the show face, on a leg I spent more time than I care to admit doing the inlay. There is absolutely no way I'm throwing that leg out and starting over. I patched it, recut the joint and drove on. I'm willing to wager no one will ever notice it. I'm no expert (not by a long shot) – my simple point is if you try something new and screwed up, that's not the end of the world.


For example, the marquetry in this project was my first time with this skill. Did I think I could do it? – absolutely not. Did I make lots of mistakes – of course. Nonetheless I'm satisfied with the results.


For me, it feels good to think if there is another piece down the road I am interested in that calls for marquetry, it's not out of the question and next time it might be better.


Sorry for what seemed like probably a self-indulgent rant – that's not my intent. My main thought is I'm grateful for the SMC community and my purpose in posting is to, in some small way, contribute something of value to my fellow Creekers.


All best, Mike

[Mike Allen1010]

Excellent work. Superb and I've been around some excellent craftsmen. Aren't the inlays on the legs supposed to be burned? A pot of hot sand was the method I saw. (Did you know if you google (image) federal leg inlay a bunch of the pictures are yours?)
346410

Hi John,


Thanks for your generous comments. You're absolutely right, the Holly Bellflower's are supposed to be "shaded" by heating them in hot sand. I believe the idea is the shading add some three-dimensional depth.


Regrettably, when I made these I had no idea how to do that so unshaded they are. By the time I got to the oval thistle inlays, and acquired a hotplate and sand and attempted to do some sand shading. Results were definitely mixed (only because I'm not very good at this).


I am the least tech savvy guy you're ever going to meet, so what's on the Internet is a mystery to me. I can assure you any images of federal leg inlays are not mine (I wish that were true!). I believe the one in your post is from Steve Latta's article in FWW.


Cheers, Mike

[Mike Allen1010]

Mel, Marty, Phil, Stewie and Brian,


I am a huge fan of you you guys as individuals and your work. I I always look for your posts - you're very talented and I sincerely appreciate your comments.


Best, Mike

[Mike Allen1010]

This is really nitpicking - but for me, I think fewer, smaller pix that you can see quicker without having to scroll down gives is easier to follow. I also look forward to the words and reflections of the author even more than the pix.

I would also keep all the "Parts" to a single thread. If I ever want to build this, it'd be nice to have it all in one continuous thread. Subconsciously, too, if I see a "Part 4" thread, and I haven't read Parts 1-3, then the investment of having to search out those parts is too much for me, the lazy viewer, so I hypothesize that picking up viewers later in the season becomes difficult if you start new threads for those episodes.

Anyway, I love the build, and have been following gratefully.


Prashun,


Thank you very much for your very insightful and completely reasonable suggestions. I'm definitely going to try to incorporate your feedback in my next post – thanks again! As I become more comfortable with the technology, it seems the pictures are easier, it's generating the descriptive tax that takes time. I agree with you, personally I'm mostly interested in hearing from the maker about how he approaches each step in the build process.


I sincerely appreciate all your contributions to SMC, and particularly enjoy your sense of humor and typically thoughtful comments.


I can't resist asking; are you a marketer, business owner, economist? Your insights about the SMC consumer experience seems spot on to me. None of my business, and no need to respond. My question was meant as a compliment.


Best regards, Mike

[Ron Bontz]

Well, Mike. Now that I have looked this over, I must go take some anti depressant meds. and call it a day. :):) Nice work. Waaaaayyyyy above my level. I am not sure I could muster up that much patience. Best wishes.

[Christopher Charles]

I do hope you're happy with your work! Thanks for posting.

best
Chris

[John T Barker]

Hi John...

I am the least tech savvy guy you're ever going to meet, so what's on the Internet is a mystery to me. I can assure you any images of federal leg inlays are not mine (I wish that were true!). I believe the one in your post is from Steve Latta's article in FWW.
Cheers, Mike

No, the images are yours. Pretty simple, click on the image and it brings me to your post here. You're famous! Google images is a great tool for us, great way to find stuff. Google a subject ("federal leg inlay") and when your results come up look near the top for the word "images" and click on it. You will get pictures instead of articles. Great way to steal ideas from other people. Latta's work is there but you are down the page a bit.
Keep up the good work.

[John Kananis]

Mike: I always enjoy reading through your threads - as I do the work you post. I can't wait to see this completed with top and all... Lots of patience for all that inlay. Is this a first or have you done it before [not that your skills lack (quite the contrary) but I read that you weren't familiar with the sand-shading technique and hence the question]?

[Patrick McCarthy]

Michael, some of us out here ALWAYS read you posts . . . despite the fact we are humbled -but inspired too - by them. Don't sweat the numbers, the ones viewing are all solid supporters and admirers of your most excellent work.

Keep the faith; your skill set is impressive and your willingness to share is valued! Best regards, Patrick

[Mike Allen1010]

Mike,

Do you have any finish on the last few pictures or did it just pop like that on it's own? Incredible work!


Hi Will,


I really appreciate your feedback – glad you're enjoying the build thread.


In answer to your question, last couple pictures are after I started applying the finish.


I've had some epically bad experiences trying to finish work with lighter colored inlays in a darker background – dust from the darker background obscuring the inlay.


This time, I brushed a couple light coats shellac over the oval thistle and Bellflower inlays and then applied Watco oil varnish over everything, sanding with 600 grit sandpaper. I like the way the oil varnish mixture brings out the figure in the wood, and it's pretty foolproof to use.


My intent in sanding the oil varnish finish with 600 grit was to try and fill some of the open grain in the mahogany. I confess I really have no idea about anything related to filling the pores in open grain woods. I read somewhere that's what you're supposed to do and this seemed to work out OK. But please don't take my word for it, I know there are other Creekers who know a lot more about this than I do. I'm just happy to get through any finishing steps without catastrophe. So far so good, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.


All the best, Mike

[Mike Allen1010]

Just a question. The wood looks like mahogany? What type of mahogany is it?

Hi David,


Southern California is a desert and I'm always jealous of my fellow Creekers in areas where great domestic hardwoods are readily available, you know "my neighbor cut down a 200 deal-year-old Walnut tree on his property and now I have 500 board feet of awesome lumber".


This may be my one and only "wood gloat"; there is a local lumber yard here caters to the high and and instrument maker market (tropical exotic hardwoods of South America). They have awesome stuff but it's usually way out of my price range, nonetheless I dropped a fair amount of change there over the years.


The wood for this project was 40-year-old Cuban mahogany the a bought in an estate sale from a cabinetmaker who had passed away. I have no idea if that's true, but it didn't stop me from buying it for way more than I would ever admit to the LOML. (what said on the creek stays in the Creek – I'm holding you guys to that!). All I know it was a dream to work with and if I ever win the lottery, all by as much as I find!


Best, Mike

[Mike Allen1010]

Mike, you amaze and inspire me...but I think you already know that. This federal table is remarkable....I've seen your work and knew you were capable of this kind of precision work and it is real great to see your step by step builds. Please don't stop posting...it would be a grey loss to all of us at the creek!

Don


Don,


You're much too kind! I used the magnification visor you generously gave me a ton to do the marquetry – thanks again!


Best, Mike

[Mike Allen1010]

Mike: I always enjoy reading through your threads - as I do the work you post. I can't wait to see this completed with top and all... Lots of patience for all that inlay. Is this a first or have you done it before [not that your skills lack (quite the contrary) but I read that you weren't familiar with the sand-shading technique and hence the question]?

Hi John,


This is my first time with the marquetry. As I mentioned, I epically screwed up several attempts before getting 4 finished oval inlays that will just have to do. The book on marquetry mentioned by Steven's earlier in the post was super helpful (sorry can't remember the title now). Although the marquetry required some specific dedicated tools, after little practice is not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. Marquetry is something I've always been intimidated by and thought I could never do that, but apparently even a blind squirrel finds the occasionally acorn!


All the best, Mike

[Mike Allen1010]

Michael, some of us out here ALWAYS read you posts . . . despite the fact we are humbled -but inspired too - by them. Don't sweat the numbers, the ones viewing are all solid supporters and admirers of your most excellent work.

Keep the faith; your skill set is impressive and your willingness to share is valued! Best regards, Patrick


Counselor,


Always great to hear from you! I sincerely appreciate your encouragement and far too generous, but typically elegantly expressed comments.


Please look me up next time you're in town – beers on me!


All the best Mike

[Patrick McCarthy]

Mike, It will indeed be my pleasure to do so!

[joe maday]

Mike,
I apologize for not commenting much earlier, but I love to see your posts.. the table is coming along beautifully, Keep the updates and photos coming.. Great work.

[David Dalzell]

Hi Mike - Well I live in northern California in the high Sierras. Not a desert, but as far as hardwood goes it is a desert. I share your envy of woodworkers who live near available hardwood forests. If I want to buy hardwood I drive down to San Francisco, about 3 1/2 hour drive; or order on line and hope for the best. I do have about 300-400 bf of air dried California Claro Walnut that I am saving for some special project. I bought it freshly sawed about 7-8 years ago and stacked it for air drying. Now I need about 350-400 bf of cherry for a new and rather large project. I want to get it all from the same tree. This means I have to buy from some Eastern saw mill. I am looking at several mills, but I have absolutely no knowledge of them. Another "hope for the best" occasion.
David

[Dave Ray]

Mike, very impressive. The guys are looking and learning, I know I am