Major Wood Gloat (George Nakashima Style)

[John Michaels]

Just got this today. One of my customers more or less gave it to me. What's neat is there's a little spalting, birdseye, quilted, and tiger maple figure all in one board. It even has two live edges. I'm thinking of making a breakfast table out of it.


http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-11/1108263/DSC07234.jpg

[John Eaton]

Too cool - I'd love to have something like that!

-- John

[Tim Thomas]

Lovely piece of wood! I think you are right on track with the Nakashima-style idea. Maybe just add a dutchman (or two) to stabilize the crack (see my photochop below), but other than that, just get it smooth and put some legs on it. Please post a followup when you make something out of it, I'd really like to see how you use this unique piece.

[Todd Bin]

I notice you have that valuable piece of wood where it belongs -- Inside the house.

[Jeffrey Makiel]

I'd eat lunch and dinner on it too.

-Jeff :)

[John Michaels]

Maybe just add a dutchman (or two) to stabilize the crack (see my photochop below).

Thanks Tim for the visual help that's really cool.

[Chris Padilla]

Very nice! How thick is it?

[John Michaels]

Very nice! How thick is it?

It's over 2 inches thick, 5 feet long, and a little less than 3 feet wide. I can't wait to eat a meal on it.

[Tim Thomas]

Thanks Tim for the visual help that's really cool.

There is a cool art gallery in Hendersonville, NC that has several nice natural edge furniture pieces. That is where I have seen the dutchman thing before. Here is an example of a simple table that has a dutchman reinforcement:
http://www.wickwireartgallery.com/catalog/product_detail.php/pid=5269~subid=21193/index.html

If you really want to see something jaw-dropping check out this one:
http://www.wickwireartgallery.com/catalog/product_detail.php/pid=5317~subid=21193/index.html

I've seen that great big walnut one in person, and pictures do not do it justice.

Last thing, there is a post today about flattening a large natural edged piece for use in a table which you might find relevant.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=97018

Have fun with whatever you decide. :cool:

[John Michaels]

Last thing, there is a post today about flattening a large natural edged piece for use in a table which you might find relevant.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=97018


The guy I got the slab from flattened it for me just like the above mentioned post. I still want to send it through a drum sander. Fortunately I know a furniture maker with a 43 inch machine that can handle a slab this big.

[Chris Padilla]

So, John, I assume you will start a lengthy post capturing every minute detail of the process you go through to eventually reaching the endpoint of eating lunch on this slab?! :D

What are your thoughts about the legs/support structure?

[Jim Becker]

ooh...very nice!!!

[John Michaels]

What are your thoughts about the legs/support structure?

I'm thinking something simple. Maybe 4 legs and a low profile apron that provides support but isn't that visible.

[Chris Padilla]

I'm thinking something simple. Maybe 4 legs and a low profile apron that provides support but isn't that visible.

Sounds nice...what about ebonizing whatever wood you use? You'd never even notice the legs then...only that top would pop.

[Dale Osowski]

That's a beauty, post more pics once you get started. Working with live edge slabs gets addictive.