Hi Guys, here is my first post of some of the work I have done. It's a coffee table (center is stained cherry with maple around the outside). It turned out exactly like I'd hoped, although I know I will probably get raked for staining the cherry
Very nice table and aren't you glad you used the maple instead of the oak you were first planning to use. Oh and regarding the stain on the cherry........... It is realy up to you depebding on how you wanted it to look.
Looks like a real nice job. Nice work!
Who cares if staining cherry goes against tradition. Like Don said, if its the look you were going for than it's a winner.
Dawson, that is one beautiful table!!
I like the whole effect. It is your table, you are happy with it, case closed! The should have, would have, could have game will make a person go insane, make it for the person that will use it.
Well, I was getting ready to form a posse so we could chase you down for staining the cherry, but from the comments I'm seeing, I doubt I could get enough members to ride with me.
Seriously, that's a great-looking table, and as has been said, if you like the way it looks (I know I do), then just ignore the naysayers. They can go build their own darned tables.
The finish I used was Minwax PolyCrylic (about 6 coats with a light sanding between each). This is water based so it kept the maple light and avoided the ambering effect of oil based finishes. Once that was done, I finished off with a light buff of Paste wax.
Nice, shiney and smooth. I'll try to take a few more pictures and post them ... didn't realize there would be so much interest.