Sofa table-Mixed media (Finally!)...pics

[John Miliunas]

I suppose I'll now be banned from the group making stuff with their spinny things but, a guy just has to do what a guy has to do! In this case, it was a for my #1 client. Yeah, read that as: the LOML! :D She wanted a small sofa table, though one which wouldn't get in the way of traffic and would be a bit bigger than the straight part of the sectional. We finally decided on the design shown here. Not a single 90° on the thing! (Let's not get technical about the legs being perpendicular to the table parts!!!:rolleyes: )

Main flats of the table are glued up BE Maple and I sure do wish the pictures would pick up the character of the wood better, as it's really nice! The apron was going to be Cherry until the LOML stopped into visit me at my #2 job and spotted this Bubinga sitting in the rack. So, the plan obviously changed, though we really do like the more extensive contrast added against the BE Maple. :)

The legs are 1" round SS tubes. Expensive you say??? NOT!!! I picked them up at a surplus/salvage place not too far from us for dirt cheap. They were actually tubes from disassembled commercial kitchen carts. (Some, complete with these BIG wheels.) I originally took some buffing compound to them and shined them up nice but, after looking more at them, they almost had a chrome look, which is not what I was after. I thought (ouch!) about it for a bit and made up a jamb drive for my lathe and mounted a leg between the centers. Fired up the lathe and took some 400 paper to it. End result was a nice "brushed" finish look to them.

The BE is 3/4" net and was rough cut on the BS. I had made templates out of some hardboard and finished them up with a pattern bit on my router. Just the slightest round-over on the top pieces to ease the edge a bit and then a pretty drastic chamfer back below to give the tops a bit lighter look. This was also the first time I had ever attempted a bent lamination. Now that was a "treat"!!! :rolleyes: I made the form out of a couple 3/4" pieces of MDF, also cut to the exact replica of the tops by way of my original templates and the pattern bit. The included picture is the front apron and I think there were about 28 clamps on that glue-up! No pic but, on the rear apron, 32 clamps!!! I resawed all the Bubinga and ran it through my drum sander, yielding strips right around 3/32" or thereabouts. I ended up using my good old LV yellow glue and had just the very slightest spring-back off the mold. Quite happy with the results!

Finish schedule was a couple coats of Velvit Oil, a couple coats of spray shellac and about 7 coats of Watco lacquer. After curing, a real light pass with 400 to knock off major nibs, then 600 wet sand (both with the Porter Cable Speed Bloc sander), followed with a machine and hand rub-out using Behlen Buffer's Polish and finally, a couple coats of Renaissance Wax. Results are smooth as glass! :) As always, thanks for taking a peek and critiques are most welcome! :) :cool:

[Richard Wolf]

Gee's, look at you doing curved work. Maybe I can find a place for you to help out with the curved rails.
Great looking table, also.

Richard

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Great looking table John! You handled that curved work like a PRO!

[John Miliunas]

Gee's, look at you doing curved work. Maybe I can find a place for you to help out with the curved rails.
Great looking table, also.

Richard

Sure thing, Richard! :) BUT, if you think you're behind now, after that huge spiral gig you just got done with, my "help" would easily put you a couple years further back!!! :D Thanks! :) :cool:

[Dan Larson]

Hi John,

Very unique design and beautiful execution!!! Thanks for your detailed description, too. Always interesting to hear the story behind the project!

Dan

[Matt Meiser]

Very cool design. Glad to hear the lamination went well.

[Vaughn McMillan]

Very nice, John. Great wood, and the finish looks sweet. Gotta love the lacquer. :) You're largely to blame for my recent affinity for the stuff. ;)

- Vaughn

[Jim Becker]

Ah....he are a Studio Furniture Maker now, eh?? :D (Nice job...)

[Bob Marino]

Hey John,

It's a beauty all the way from start to finish. Why Renaissance wax instead of the regualr ol' paste wax?

Bob

[Steve Ash]

As always John, nice work! LOML seconds my opinion.:D

[John Miliunas]

Hey John,

It's a beauty all the way from start to finish. Why Renaissance wax instead of the regualr ol' paste wax?

Bob

Thanks to all for the kind comments. :)

Bob, Ren wax has come to be my "go to" wax ever since Eugene Collison recommended it eons ago for doing my hand planes with it. Now, it goes on just about everything in my shop, from TS bed to most every project I build! :) It goes on real, real easy, buffs out even easier and leaves a wonderful finish both, in looks and feel. Try it...You'll like it! :D :cool:

[Mark Singer]

John,
Very nice work! What I am really appreciating is actually several things....you are designing your own stuff! You are trying new techniques and succeeding at your first attempt! That is great! If you try one new technique with each project, ....a new joint....a new finishing technique ,...or learning to use a new tool....you soon have a very large bag to pull woodworking skills from. What happens then is that every project your mind can imagine, you can figure out how to build. That is a terrific feeling! All of a sudden limits and boundries do not exist and you are free to design at will and your skills will allow you to execute... I have seen this challenging your self in your work and the projects you chose...it is what all of us should do. Some great woodworkers find a niche....they make one thing and soon master it....this is good too....but to expand your skills to be able to handle almost any project and be able to do each step several different ways....that is really learning and mastering...Excellent!

[Jerry Olexa]

And I thought you was out ice fishin' all this time:D :D Anyway, nice work and I'm sure those curves and angles were challenging. But you didn't use enuf clamps:) :) in the one picture. Good work, John and for a good cause (the LOYL). And she didn't have to cook dinner because of all that ice you caught:)

[Mark Singer]

John,
Be careful with the Rennasance wax....a freind of mine rubbed a little on his face and he is starting to look like Leonardo Di Vinci:rolleyes:

[Roy Wall]

John - a very unique piece.....well done!! The legs look great too!

The finish is unbelievable......NICE!!!

Tell me how you attached the legs? Are they "inset" into some 2x material with 1" bore in them....?

[John Miliunas]

Tell me how you attached the legs? Are they "inset" into some 2x material with 1" bore in them....?

Thanks, Roy! :o You hit the leg thing right on the money! The material is actually 1-1/4 thick Walnut. It's under both of the table areas and screwed into the BE. The supports on the top table are drilled all the way through and partially to the underside of the BE. On the bottom ones, everything is drilled completely through. The bottom pieces were cut to mimick the overall lines of where they are situated and act as feet for the legs. Drilling everything to match was a real "joy", as all of that was done after the tops were finished. AAMOF, the entire project was finished before final assembly, so much of the process was a tad "ticklish".:D :cool:

[Chris Barton]

That is sooo cool. It looks likeit should be in an exhibit of modern art!

[Corey Hallagan]

WOW, that is really a great looking piece there John! Very modern looking edge to it. Nice job combining the wood and metal.

Corey

[Roy Wall]

Thanks, Roy! :o You hit the leg thing right on the money! The material is actually 1-1/4 thick Walnut. It's under both of the table areas and screwed into the BE. The supports on the top table are drilled all the way through and partially to the underside of the BE. On the bottom ones, everything is drilled completely through. The bottom pieces were cut to mimick the overall lines of where they are situated and act as feet for the legs. Drilling everything to match was a real "joy", as all of that was done after the tops were finished. AAMOF, the entire project was finished before final assembly, so much of the process was a tad "ticklish".:D :cool:

I thought you probably finished it all first before assembly......I wondered about boring those holes thru the finished bottome shelf!!:eek: -- other than the apprehension (sp?) - it looked like the way to do it.....

[John Miliunas]

I thought you probably finished it all first before assembly......I wondered about boring those holes thru the finished bottome shelf!!:eek: -- other than the apprehension (sp?) - it looked like the way to do it.....

"Apprehension" would be an understatement here!!! Whew, after how I stressed with getting the finish "just right", I sure didn't want to screw it up at that point! :rolleyes: But, I took the templates to task again for this one, too. I had the holes pre-drilled in the templates, taped both, the top and bottom table pieces together and then used some small screws to directly attach the template to the bottom of the bottom shelf. To protect the finished top (which was now good-side down!), I taped paper to my DP table to help keep it from getting scratched. A bit tense, but worked quite well, actually. :) :cool:

[Roy Wall]

"Apprehension" would be an understatement here!!! Whew, after how I stressed with getting the finish "just right", I sure didn't want to screw it up at that point! :rolleyes: But, I took the templates to task again for this one, too. I had the holes pre-drilled in the templates, taped both, the top and bottom table pieces together and then used some small screws to directly attach the template to the bottom of the bottom shelf. To protect the finished top (which was now good-side down!), I taped paper to my DP table to help keep it from getting scratched. A bit tense, but worked quite well, actually. :) :cool:

Ahh,

So that's how you bored thru and then set the DP stop about 1/4" into the underside of the Top shelf..........sneaky good!:D

[David Klug]

That looks terrific John. BTW what did you lay on your bench for the glue up?

DK

[Andy Hoyt]

Kustom Foynature, kewl!

Since you actually used your chevyvegathingamabob to produce a teeeny tiiny element of this piece, I've decided to let you slide - this time.

Don't make it a habit!:D:D:D:D:D

Excellent job, John. you did well.

Loved the clamp-porn pic. Were there any unused after the glue up was achieved?

[John Miliunas]

Thanks again, guys! Much appreciated but, I say again, you are all too kind! And, as Mark S. eluded to, it most definitely was a learning experience!:o :)

David, that's freezer wrap wax paper. I had some leftover MDF, which I layed on my "Smart Table", then the paper. Really helps in keeping the glue in check! I buy the "commercial" size paper and use it for just about every glue-up I do, in order to contain the mess of squeeze-out. Works slick! :) :cool:

[Pete Harbin]

Outstanding John! Sleek and elegant! Looks like you got to incorporate a lot of skills and techniques.

Pete

[Jim VanBramer]

Well John ... your projects are taking on a Mark Singer-ish sort of flair!;) Great job ... what a nice addition to the room!

Jim

[Bruce Page]

Now you’re stylin’! Next thing ya know you’ll be replacing the shop for a “studio”.
That’s a beautiful piece, the BE looks great on my monitor!

How many new clamps are in the pic?

[Mark Singer]

Looking at the bending form, I would guess you had your head in the Tage Frid Woodorking book again....Yes?:confused:

[Mark Stutz]

John,
Great design and execution. I'm not normally one to like "modern" furniture, but this fits the location and decor just perfectly. You colud not have found anything in any store that would come close to this. Great job!

Mark

[Dan Forman]

John---Very impressive work, and challenging I'm sure. Looks like it was made for that spot...oh yeah, I guess it was. ;)

Dan

[Stu Ablett in Tokyo Japan]

That is really slick John, how does the client like it? :D

Cheers!

[Karl Laustrup]

Most beautious sofa table Spring. I look forward to seeing it in person soon.

Karl

[John Miliunas]

Well John ... your projects are taking on a Mark Singer-ish sort of flair!;)

Jim, I can only take that as an extreme compliment!!! :) True enough, though. I've been blessed to have met Mark personally and to have seen all of his wonderful work. Fact is, when we decided on the SS legs, I had clear visions of numerous MS pieces in his and Myriam's home, which take on that exact look! :D (Thanks Mark!) :D :cool:

[Eric Shields]

John,

I can only echo what others have said, a beautiful piece that was nicely executed from start to finish. As an aside, my wife brought up the fact that we needed new coffee and end tables. My response was that I couldn't wait to make that my first project once the shop is complete and equiped. Made her smile and I hope loosen the funds funnel a little bit. I just hope that I'll be as successful as you when I begin that chapter of my woodworking :rolleyes:

Once again, nicely done.

Eric

[John Miliunas]

Bruce, "...replace shop for a 'studio'..."??? Ahhhh, if you saw the shop right now, you may reconsider replacing "studio" for the "Town Dump"!!! :o Whew...What a disaster zone! I have one mini, non-woodworking and quickie project to do for my daughter and, after that, I'm tearing into the place and try to bring it back up to "shop" status. Forget about "studio" status!!!:D

Mark Stutz, you're right about avoiding the "store bought" look. In recent years, the LOML's tastes have steered toward more eclectic collections of furnishings, replacing her "antique era" look with anything "funky". That includes most everything from "Retro" to "Modern" to "Goofy"! :D

Stu, the client likes it! She even kind of "honored" me with displaying some of my turnings as the first things on it! (Lower shelf, of course!:rolleyes: )

Karl, you should be seeing in person in just a few weeks, no??? :)

Eric, thanks! Building your own furniture, not only adds to the comfort of your home but, as you eluded to, it often adds to the "comfort" of your shop, as well!!!

Thanks again, folks! Good thing I don't do hats, as I would have to be replacing all of them 'bout now, due to a size change! :rolleyes: :D :cool:

[Jason Tuinstra]

John, wow, this is a knock-out. The combination of the different woods with the mixed media makes this a very nice piece. Great job, and very nice design.

[Earl Kelly]

John, nice table, way to go, thinking outside the box. I like the SS legs and the woods used. I'm not overly estatic about the shape, but it seems to fit the design. But I do like tables with 3 legs.

[Joe Mioux]

John, Looks great. Congratulations on another well done WW'g project!


Joe

[Dave Richards]

I like it John, I like it. Great design.

Of course you'll never be able to get rid of that couch now. :D

[Garry Smith]

The design and the finish looks great John.

[John Miliunas]

Again, thanks to all for your kindness! :) Now, it's on to yet a bigger project. A MUCH bigger project: Clean and re-organize the shop! :eek: :D :cool:

[Mark Singer]

Again, thanks to all for your kindness! :) Now, it's on to yet a bigger project. A MUCH bigger project: Clean and re-organize the shop! :eek: :D :cool:
I will be right over to help:rolleyes:

[Andy Hoyt]

Again, thanks to all for your kindness! :) Now, it's on to yet a bigger project. A MUCH bigger project: Clean and re-organize the shop! :eek: :D :cool:

That's good news John. I'm sure the Stair Project will be happy to hear it:eek:

[John Miliunas]

That's good news John. I'm sure the Stair Project will be happy to hear it:eek:

Granted, the stair treads are starting to look a bit despondent but, until I stop spending 50-60 hours/wk. at the jobs and another 10-12 hours/wk. getting to/from those jobs, they will remain lonely. :( On the bright side, they're happy that people aren't walking all over them! :D :D

So Mark, when can I expect you???? What was that?....Ohhhhh...."Just as soon as Satan hosts the Stanley Cup"??? Gotchya'! :D :cool:

[Kyle Kraft]

John,

You've been watching too many episodes of "Freeform Furniture"!! But seriously, very nice table! I really like the finish.

Kyle in K'zoo

[tod evans]

nice table john! ain`t curves fun? ...02 tod

[John Miliunas]

Kyle, I wish I could watch "Freeform Furniture"!!! I've seen a couple recorded to DVD episodes and it looks to be a cool show. Sadly, our satellite service doesn't include the DYI channel (unless I pay another $20.00/mth. and take it along with a bunch of other useless stations!:mad: )

Thanks, Tod! The curves do present certain challenges, but certainly rewarding!!! :) :cool: