Quickie Project: Small Side Table

[Frank Chaffee]

Jim,
Nice study of CG and overturning moment. Both simple and elegant.
Good job.
Frank

[Jim Becker]

Well, the weekend has come and gone and I got most of the way on this project this afternoon after helping Fred transport some firewood from our place to his this morning.

Since the glue was dry, I gave the base a final sanding after using a little filler to smooth over the "end grain" where the third leg pokes through the primary component and then started spraying paint. I probably should have taken my own advice and primed the thing first, but another light sanding and some more paint will take care of any inconsistencies remaining after today.

For the top, I decided on using an ellipse as it would provide a good amount of surface to the table while being consistent with the need for something narrow given the available area next to the chair. I did some basic layout on the blank after sanding it up through 180 with the Festool 150/3 and then found the correct pivot points for an ellipse of approximately 10" wide by 16" long. It can be done mathematically, but hey...that's not my favorite kind of activity. Interestingly enough, it only took two tries to get the right spots! (My lucky day... ) The bandsaw made quick work of the cut and after smoothing the edges at the OSS, I did some hand sanding with both a block and without to make the curves consistent and eliminate any scratch marks from the OSS.

I originally planned on using shellac for the table top, but found myself bone-dry on alcohol inventory (necessary for cleanup) and didn't feel like driving 18 miles round-trip to get it, so I grabbed the container of Waterlox I keep near the lathe and started wiping it on after final sanding. I got several applications on this afternoon and will do a few more during the week to "finish" things up. It looks great, but the shellac would have provided a richer finish on this walnut...I know this from experience on other projects. I'll post a final picture when the table is "installed" later in the week, but the last one in the series below will serve as a sneak preview.

Pics

1. Drawing the ellipse. Two pivot points and a string are all that is needed. The wider the pivot points are spaced on an axis, the more elongated the ellipse
2. Cutting the shape out on the bandsaw just proud of the line
3. Using just a portion of a 1/4" roundover bit to ease the edges with the Festool OF1010 router
4. The ellipse sanded and with several applications of Waterlox Original
5. The "Sneak Preview" of the table...stay tuned for the final "installation" later in the week!

[Bob Noles]

Jim,


Very nice little project. I like the contrast between the natural wood and paint.

I found the little glimpses of your shop just as fascinating as the table itself. Why not post a shop tour if you get a chance or point us to a link if you have already done so in the past.

[Jim Becker]

I found the little glimpses of your shop just as fascinating as the table itself. Why not post a shop tour if you get a chance or point us to a link if you have already done so in the past.

Bob, there are pictures of my shop in an older thread at the conclusion of a shop expansion project. Please note that the Sojberg workbench is gone and replaced by an Adjust-A-Bench...of which there are several other threads.

[Bob Noles]

Thanks Jim,

I've always admired your work and organization and wanted to get some ideas in getting my shop re-organized a little.

[Jason Tuinstra]

Jim, nice job. I like the look of the dark walnut with the mdf painted black. I look forward to seeing it installed.

[Chris Padilla]

Pretty slick, Jim! I love the mixture of modern materials and good old mother nature.

[John Hart]

Very pretty sir. I hope you don't mind if I plagiarize your work!!!

[Jim Becker]

Very pretty sir. I hope you don't mind if I plagiarize your work!!!

No copyright or patent on this one! Design note...suggest you make the third leg longer for additional stability. This table will go in a constrained place that will protect it from tipping, but in an area that has more traffic, it could likely be knocked over easily. Fortunately, it's also very short at 18" tall, so the center of gravity isn't too high.

[Jim Becker]

Well, the work is done on this project...for now. I say, "for now", because I do believe that I'll probably do another base for the unit with a little wider stance for additional stability (as well as a much better finish effort on the base), but I'll work with it for awhile to find out exactly how I feel about that. In the mean time, I'm pleased with the results, from a design perspective. The black walnut top really looks great and despite skipping the oil, it has a nice shimmer from the Waterlox Original I wiped on. (About 12 coats after sanding to...400 )

As for the second photograph, I really can't indicate what Dr. SWMBO asked me to say to "make a smile"... Obligatory latté included, of course!

[Bob Marino]

Well, the work is done on this project...for now. I say, "for now", because I do believe that I'll probably do another base for the unit with a little wider stance for additional stability (as well as a much better finish effort on the base), but I'll work with it for awhile to find out exactly how I feel about that. In the mean time, I'm pleased with the results, from a design perspective. The black walnut top really looks great and despite skipping the oil, it has a nice shimmer from the Waterlox Original I wiped on. (About 12 coats after sanding to...400 )

As for the second photograph, I really can't indicate what Dr. SWMBO asked me to say to "make a smile"... Obligatory latté included, of course!

Great job, Jim and a well deserved latte!

Bob

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Jim, Nice job there; it's a perfect fit in that space. Boy that looks like a very cozy chair. Is Dr. SWMBO allowed to use it?

[Joe Mioux]

Very nice project, Jim, thank you for sharing it with us. The table fits right in with your chair and ottoman. But.....what's with your eyes???? Did you make your latte' too strong?

Joe

[Robby Phelps]

Cool design Jim. I wanted to ask you a question though, I have been periodically checking out your website (which is great by the way) in hopes that you had done a review on your new Mini Max 16 bandsaw. Maybe I missed somthing but do you like it? Everyone seems to rave about these machines and I hope to purchase one this year. Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks Jim and again cool table!

[Jim Becker]

CI have been periodically checking out your website (which is great by the way) in hopes that you had done a review on your new Mini Max 16 bandsaw. Maybe I missed somthing but do you like it? Everyone seems to rave about these machines and I hope to purchase one this year. Any feedback is appreciated.

I've been very remiss on the web site for a long time, now, Robby, and it's not likely I get much done in the recent future with the girls arriving on Saturday from Russia for their month here in our home. That said, the MM16 (which really can't be considered "new" at this point since I've had it since Jan '04) is super. The newer design they are selling now is even better with 4" of additional resaw and added horsepower. No complaints. No regrets. Great company with quality products.

Thanks for your kind comments on the table!

But.....what's with your eyes???? Did you make your latte' too strong?

No, I hadn't taken a sip yet...but as I indicated, Dr. SWMBO suggested I say something to get a nice smile...and it wasn't "cheese"...