Cherry Dining Set - Table/Benches

[Gail O'Rourke]

http://www.woodworking.org/photo/albums/userpics/13344/cherryshop.jpg
(http://www.woodworking.org/photo/displayimage.php?pos=-9091)

Here is the latest in front of the shop - a cherry dining table and 2 benches. I bought the leg kit from Tablelegs website and made the top and two benches. The top is from 7 9"and wider pieces of cherry - cutting out the best pieces. Dimensions are 42 by 80 by 30 and benches - 15 by 40 by 17.5 - and paired with their windsors, can seat 8 to 10 comfortably. Finish is Waterlox - too many coats to count. The top feels like glass.

http://www.woodworking.org/photo/albums/userpics/13344/cherrytable1.jpg
(http://www.woodworking.org/photo/displayimage.php?pos=-9090)
http://www.woodworking.org/photo/albums/userpics/13344/cherrytable5.jpg
(http://www.woodworking.org/photo/displayimage.php?pos=-9089)
http://www.woodworking.org/photo/albums/userpics/13344/cherryleg.jpg
(http://www.woodworking.org/photo/displayimage.php?pos=-9088)

Thanks!

[Pat Germain]

Good golly! That is simply stunning work, Gail.

I'm curious as to why you chose to purchase the legs pre-made. Is it not cost effective for you to make them for a paying customer?

Thanks for sharing.

[Don Bullock]

They all look great Gail. I'd love to see it all set up with the chairs and bet that will be a fine place for dinner.

BTW -- The shop doors and all that rock work looks great too.

[scott spencer]

Beautiful work, as usual Gail!

...BTW...congrats on your 400th post. :)

[Gail O'Rourke]

HI, yes, the table leg purchase, I went back and forth. I am swamped right now with orders, so it was for time sake. But these legs are pretty simple - so I could have made them myself. But, the quality of the legs that I bought is excellent. I am pleased with their product, so all is well - the cost to buy vs. the cost for lumber and my time was about the same.

Thanks!

[Jim Becker]

Beautiful, Gail! That's a really nice set!

Oh, and that stone work behind them is outstanding, too... ;)

[Mike Cutler]

Very nice work.

I've always liked furniture with clean simple lines. The cherry is beautiful. The grain and tone are very well matched.

[Joe Unni]

Very nice Gail!

The cherry is just stunning! You know I've not yet had the pleasure of working with it - maybe one day. I really like the chamfer on the under side of the top - subtle details really speak hand made.

Good job,
-joe

[Craig Thompson]

Very nice Table set. Gotta love the Cherry. What method did you use for attaching the table and bench tops?

[John Timberlake]

Great look. Really nice looking cherry.

[Chris Barton]

Beauties! But, the real question is, will they be featured on an up coming episode on PBS?

[Gary Muto]

Beautiful workmandhip and design.
Your shop looks like a dream as well.

[Nick Clayton]

Love that simple shaker style! How did you apply the bead to the apron?

[Matt Day]

Very nice simple pice Gail. I know you said you used Waterlox, but what kind exactly and how did you apply it? I'm trying to settle on a finish for a side table.

[Bill White]

Gail, as always a great project. I, like you, wil buy legs when needed. Cost vs: benefit I say. I have used Osborne from time to time with good results, and sure saves a lot of shop time when you're tryin' to turn out work.
Bill

[Dennis Peacock]

Excellent design and beautiful work. Won't it be just awesome when that wood turns that nice dark cherry color?!!! :D

[Gail O'Rourke]

Nick - the apron came with the table legs kit - and Matt - the waterlox - started with the sealer - then did 10 plus of the gloss finish and then final 2 in satin (I liked the satin better).

I just applied it with a rag - it is very easy to use.

[Bob Feeser]

Gail,
Let me share with your what I see. In the first picture I see your shop that you moved into, or built with a stone wall and doors that are unique. No one could ever accuse them of being typical. Not conforming, to what others try to limit you to, is not your forte. One of my favorite sayings was when I was growing up, and I read in a Dennis the Menace comic strip, when they said to Dennis, "You can't do that" He replied, "Sure I can, it's easy" :) Creativity is not easily limited, and you appear to be breaking new ground.
http://www.woodworking.org/photo/albums/userpics/13344/cherryshop.jpg
(http://www.woodworking.org/photo/displayimage.php?pos=-9091)

In the second picture I see a respect for the beauty of nature. Sometimes the best thing to do is capture a window into natures creation, and make a statement of its importance, by not cluttering it up.
http://www.woodworking.org/photo/albums/userpics/13344/cherrytable1.jpg (http://www.woodworking.org/photo/displayimage.php?pos=-9090)

In the third shot, I want to hug the table. The color is that beautiful, warm and inviting. Cherry comes in different varieties and colors. Your choice of wood, and bringing out its natural beauty, with the size of the table, it makes it incredible. It doesn't need anything else.

http://www.woodworking.org/photo/albums/userpics/13344/cherrytable5.jpg (http://www.woodworking.org/photo/displayimage.php?pos=-9089)
The fourth shot is an indication of clean lines, and hand made quality craftsmanship.

http://www.woodworking.org/photo/albums/userpics/13344/cherryleg.jpg (http://www.woodworking.org/photo/displayimage.php?pos=-9088)

My hat is off to you for a job well done. No matter what your customer wants to do with this table it will fit in. I can see blues, and reds blending very well with it. Greens and yellows will do as well. It is inviting color in accents in placemats. Or even a beautiful vase, with flowers, with surrounding accessories as a center piece. Or the whole table would make a nice crown to a beautiful rug underneath of it.
I am totally enamored with the beauty of nature. It calms and reassures us. It makes us feel good. I could see those who will eat upon this table, having good meals, and digesting them well. I wish you well, keep up the good work.

[Ed Garrett]

Gail,

Of course your table looks fantastic. I also like your stone wall. That's great that you get to spend so much time in the shop.

Sincerely,
Ed Garrett
Tallahassee

[Gail O'Rourke]

Wow, what a lovely post Bob. That's something else. I appreciate it.

[Jason Tuinstra]

Gail,

Fantastic work... as is always the case. The benches are a real nice idea, and much easier than building four chairs :p This will make a great addition to any dining room. Great job!