Maple entry table

[Alex Franke]

LOML wanted a table with a drawer in a little nook for our entry way. I just have some finish sanding to do and then finish, but it's pretty much assembled (except for the hardware). I should have sharpened my chisels before trying the dovetails -- they're very rough, but it gives them charm, I think. Except for the table top, it's all recycled maple.

So now I need some suggestions! Any thoughts on what kind of finish or drawer pull would work well with this? My wife wants something a bit darker that I usually do for maple, so I'm a bit concerned about splotching...

Thanks!

 

[BillPappas]

Alex,

The table is looking great ! I would suggest a shellac, less likely to splotch and you certainly could use a garnet shellacs to get a bit darker. No real ideas on the handles, I would peruse the magazines and find something I like and produce something similar.

Check out this link to get an idea on the tones you might get with shellac:

http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/htdocs/shellac3.htm

Regards,

Bill

 

[toolferone]

A gel stain would help if you are worried about blotching. Is it hard maple? Soft maple stains fine. Looks nice.

 

[ptt49er]

Can't help ya with the finishing, but that table will make a great impression on anyone who enters you house! Nice Work!

 

[flatheadfisher]

Nice work! I'd rub some oil in that and enjoy the natural beauty of the wood.

 

[Trent Mason]

Beautiful work Alex! :icon_thum Just don't paint it. :nah:

 

[JackLeg]

Really nice table, Alex. You should be proud!

:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

 

[sapwood]

Unique and creative design. I like it!!!

Roger

 

[Dutchman]

Looks like you have plenty of finishing suggestions. I would reccomend a 1" dia. knob in the center or slightly above for hardware.

 

[PChristy]

Great job Alex - looks great - can't help you on the finish - I would get the finish the way you want it and then decide on the hardware

 

[peteb301]

"" Except for the table top, it's all recycled maple. ""
Beautiful job on the table. Is there a source for the recycled Maple, it has some nice grain and figure ??

 

[CrealBilly]

That's a fine example of FLAT work (you spinny types take note: Earl?)

 

[Alex Franke]

Thanks, everyone!

Is there a source for the recycled Maple, it has some nice grain and figure ??

I scored a bunch of maple from a neighbor who was going to move out of town. They were refurbishing a fancy club somewhere in NC, and he actually rescued it from the dumpster! Some of it has some nice figure.

So I'll sneak in this photo-gloat:

Beautiful work Alex! :icon_thum Just don't paint it. :nah:

Paint? What's that!??

A gel stain would help if you are worried about blotching. Is it hard maple? Soft maple stains fine. Looks nice.

I'm pretty sure it's hard maple. I'll look into the gel stains -- thanks for the tip!

 

[peteb301]

That is an over and above you ROCK !!!! :eusa_danc:eusa_danc:eusa_danc
Reclaimed figured Maple made into fine furniture.
Nice neighbors also.

 

[nelsone]

Nice table! If you are wanting to darken it, you may want to investigate dye. I have had great luck using dyes and they are pretty foolproof. I use a cheapo sprayer to apply it.