A friend asked me to build her a table for her cabin in the Poconos, and really wanted a "rustic, farmhouse table" look.
Initially the goal was to use reclaimed barn wood, but she balked at the pricing of that material.
Instead, I showed her some hickory from the local semi-retired sawyer and she really liked the "character" of the wood.
Little did I know at the time that hickory is so heavy and hard to work with. I literally will have to replace my miter saw blade, table saw blade, jointer knives, and planer knives as a result of this project. But, I followed various woodworking publications' instructions on how to properly do breadboard ends, and ended up with a top that she really likes. I purposely left as much "interest" in the top as possible, highlighting knots and grain and discoloration. I used a scraper and copious amounts of sanding to make the top smooth to touch, but also including some dips and dives that you might find in reclaimed lumber.
The base is poplar, chosen mainly for price because it was to be painted per customer request. Mortise and tenon all around. Subtle tapers on the sides of the legs facing the long side of the table, and square on the short side. She wanted "chunky" base but I didn't want it to look like a pair of bell bottom jeans.
The drawer was my first try using the Keller 1601 dovetail jig that I just purchased, and it was a successful attempt. I built drawer runners out of scrap poplar saved during the project. The drawer runs in and out smoothly and sits centered. The paint is dull finish - she asked me to "weather" it, but I convinced her that the top has so much character already, let's not rush "patina"... let the base get hit with some skis and wet boots for a few years and you'll have all the character you want.
Anyways, I know this sort of project is a piece of cake for all y'all (seriously.. you are all my idols.. not kidding at all) but this was a fun skill builder for me, where I had a chance to be a bit artistic to meet demanding client requests.
(and, on an hourly basis, I surely lost money... lol... but for me, that's not the point)
Anyways, please be kind with your critiques - I'm really trying hard :-)
hickory table 1.jpg
hickory table 2.jpg