Trestle Table – Episode 10
Posted 1 July 2015
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In this final episode, Paul cuts the table top to length and cleans up the surface and waney edge. He then applies finish to the table and positions and attaches the base-frame. This rounds up the making of this trestle dining table.
A VERY HANDSOME table!!! And whether I ever make one or not, there are many valuable techniques to be learned in the project. THANKS for explaining them so well!
We hear the experts talk about the sharpness of our tools over and over again. When we start sawing end grain we think it’s our tools when they bind up on us. It’s great to have Paul explain that the stresses in the wood can cause binding AND what to do about it. That was worth the whole 10 episodes. I don’t learn from my successes, I learn from my failures. Thanks, once again.
Beautiful, thank you !
Did you chose this particular top coat over say, Shellac -which I’ve grown to love – for its durability properties ?
Thanks Master Paul Sellers for one more very nice project…
Agreed. That is a beautiful table, thank you Mr. Sellers!
Thank you for a very nice and information-filled project.
The rip saw did a fine job in trimming the end of the table top. Just wondering why this saw was chosen over a saw designed for cross cutting.
Beautiful work Paul. I followed this series beginning to end and learned to appreciate the hand skills I saw you use. I’m in the process of watching all of your archived projects and those are just as intriguing. As a power tool guy (not quite a junkie), I’m now finding that I am not as interested in setting up the power tools for things that can be done by hand just as quickly but with better finished edges. Although, I’ve found that there is quite a bit of skill I need to develop.
Thanks for another great project.
What’s next???
Tim
A stunning project and explanation second to none thanks for all the effort a great job by the whole masterclasses team .
Wonderful project and beautiful table! Thanks, Paul.
It’s not only steel clamps that should be avoided when working with oak. Also avoid steel wool as the strands can get caught in the grain and turn black.
The trestle table is marvelous, fabulous, beautiful and I am out of adjectives. Thank you Paul for sharing your craftsmanship. I will build this table for my wife.
Ronnie J. Berthelot
I’ve dipped in and out of this project and enjoyed what I’ve seen. From day one I knew that the table was too big for me, too big for my workshop, too big for my timber budget and too big for my home if I managed to make it. I’m looking forward to a smaller more accessible project for a couple of weeks.
Gareth, Why not scale the same design to suit your needs ?
Perhaps I will at some time in the future but right now I’ll stick to my skill level and labour under my other limiting factors. I still enjoy everything I see here and not being actively involved doesn’t change that. I do like to work along and this subscription is great for being able to refer back to previous projects.
Fantastic table. Great series.
I really like General Finishes products too. I’ve sprayed Enduro Var for example, very easy to spray. Keep a foam brush handy for any runs, and it cleans up like it never happened. I’m going to try the GF conversion varnish on some large tool cabinets next.
Bravo, Bravo, wonderful table. I am thrilled to have been able to follow this project from start to finish.
I have learned so very much and will look forward to the next series.
Thanks so much to Paul, and his wonderful crew. You guys ROCK!
I would lIke to mention for anyone new to water born finishes that they all will raise the grain on the first coat. It therefor becomes necessary to always knock that raised grain down with a light sanding after that first coat dries and then it will no longer be a problem with subsequent applications. I am a big fan of the General Finishes products especially their water based line.
Thank you for the project.
Excellent series as always, Paul.
One question about scaling: Would there be any issues with making just to top larger? If I wanted a 7′ length, would the additional 6″ per end cause any structural problems?
Thanks!
Hello Josh,
You could certainly make it a little larger. If you go a lot larger, then the frame would probably want to be bigger too. But 6″ would be fine.
Thanks for the quick reply, Philip! I had thought that tripling the distance of overhang from 3″ to 9″ on each end might cause some “bowing down” on each end over time. If it ever does, a new top can always be made!
Thanks again!
Re: signing the piece before applying finish. Shellac, in my experience, eats lead pencil marks. It seems the water-based (or -borne) finish here does not. Does Paul have any advice on any of his websites on what sort of marking medium (e.g. pencil vs. pen vs. marker vs. etc.) to use for signing when various finishes are used? Thank you in advance.
Hi Ted,
Paul would just use a black indelible Sharpie with a very fine point.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Dear Paul,
I am a new woodworker and almost cried at the end. You have truly inspired me with your expert craftsmanship, epic patience, and thoughtful instruction. Thank you for this and everything else I have learned watching your videos.
Best,
Kris