I was GIVEN a beautiful black walnut slab (I do get lucky sometimes). I built a router sled (thanks for the advice and link Jeff) and bought a planing bit (good recommendation from Zach) and flattened it pretty well. It was fairly warped so I took probably 3/8" off the entire piece but it's still around 1 1/4" thick. I filled the large cracks with epoxy blackened with artist's acrylic paint.
I plan on turning it into a bar for our screened in porch. Not sure what I am going to do about legs yet, but I don't want something that will take away from the beauty of the walnut. My son suggested painted galvanized pipe, but he's an engineer and likes the industrial look :gar-Bi...although it would match our wrought iron furniture. All suggestions are very welcome.
My question for the experts here concerns finish. Since it will be exposed to the elements somewhat (no direct sunlight), I am considering Waterlox Original satin with Waterlox gloss for the final coat(s). Opinions?
It's 63" long and 36" wide at the widest end, 26" at the other end. Very dry...between 5% and 6%.
Here's what is looks like currently sanded to 180 grit (I'll go to 320).
I plan on turning it into a bar for our screened in porch. Not sure what I am going to do about legs yet, but I don't want something that will take away from the beauty of the walnut. My son suggested painted galvanized pipe, but he's an engineer and likes the industrial look :gar-Bi...although it would match our wrought iron furniture. All suggestions are very welcome.
My question for the experts here concerns finish. Since it will be exposed to the elements somewhat (no direct sunlight), I am considering Waterlox Original satin with Waterlox gloss for the final coat(s). Opinions?
It's 63" long and 36" wide at the widest end, 26" at the other end. Very dry...between 5% and 6%.
Here's what is looks like currently sanded to 180 grit (I'll go to 320).