Cross grain problem?

Cross grain problem? · 01-26-2007, 09:32 AM

LOML wants a demilune table for the den. I have decided to try a sunburst effect on the top. The top will be roughly 48in long and 18in at the widest. I plan to band the top with 2in wide walnut using half laps then sawing the curve. The band at the back will ofcourse be straight. I want to do the sunburst inside the walnut with strips of pauduk and QS sycamore. They will be 1/2in on one end and 21/2 or so on the other. Where they join in the center will be a 2in half circle of sycamore. I want to use 3/4 stock and my question is will this arrangment be too much of a cross grain situation where it meets the walnut band? Also, will the pauduk continue to darken a bit after a clear finish is applied. I want it to darken some.

DaveO · 01-26-2007, 09:41 AM

Interesting question. I am not sure about the cross grain situation. If the tabel wasn't curved the answer would be easier, but being a half circle that throws a wrench in the works. I will be very interested in what others have to say about this. Veneer might be your best bet in this situation to avoid any problems all together.
The Padauk will darken a good bit and lose a lot of its red color. It will still keep its variegation but turn a more brown color, especially if exposed to sunlight. There is a box in the display case at the Ral. WC that has a Padauk top panel. It has turned an attractive brown-ish shade while the interior face of the panel still has the fresh milled Padauk look. That display case does get a lot of sun in the winter time. YMMV

Using a top coat with a UV inhibitor might help lessen the effect somewhat??

Dave

DavidF · 01-26-2007, 11:23 AM

I would definitely go with veneer for this project. Many, many years ago, while naive about these things I made a simple cake platter about 8" dia out of solid segments; withing 6 months some of the joints had opened up and irrecoverable.

Howard Acheson · 01-26-2007, 02:21 PM

You will have multiple cross grain issues with your plan. What you want to do is done with veneers, not solid wood.

Larry Rose · 01-29-2007, 03:01 PM

I took every ones advice and veneered the table top this week end. After looking at it again, it was a nobrainer. I was just asking for trouble. As it was my first attempt at real veneering, it came out fairly well. Good enough to make me want to try more.

cpowell · 01-29-2007, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Larry Rose

I took every ones advice and veneered the table top this week end. After looking at it again, it was a nobrainer. I was just asking for trouble. As it was my first attempt at real veneering, it came out fairly well. Good enough to make me want to try more.

Any pics? Sounds pretty cool!

Chuck

Larry Rose · 01-30-2007, 08:18 AM

Chuck, My lack of computer skills is exceded only by my lack of woodworking skills. I still haven't learned to post pictures. Hey, its taken me 25 years to try veneering

DaveO · 01-30-2007, 08:26 AM

Larry if you have digital pictures stored on your computer. Uploading them to the site is as simple as a few mouse clicks. There is a very good tutorial written by Monty in the FAQ section. That should get you started, but if you run into difficulties just post your problems and someone will set you straight. I would really like to see the pictures also

Dave

Larry Rose · 01-30-2007, 03:19 PM

I'm just now getting around to buying a digital camera and when one of my children gets home to hook it up for me, I'll be trying to get some pics posted.