Michigan Chocolate Table

[glenn bradley]

A final top coat on the shelf and table top tomorrow, a little buffing out, and assembly.

 

[Vaughn McMillan]

I understand the drive to reach perfection, but you're the only person who would have noticed the filled pores on that shelf.

LOML used to think I was crazy for re-doing finishes on turned pieces even though I was the only person who'd notice. But now she scrutinizes other people's turned work almost as closely as I do, lol.

 

[glenn bradley]

. . . closer . . .

 

[Bob Romano]

Thanks to all. One of the reasons that I document this stuff is to keep me in motion. Well, that and the fact that I just run my mouth too much . I find that if I do a journal I stay motivated and keep moving forward. I remember a sideboard project that took about 2 months.
View attachment 135226
Compared to the headboard / pier group that took me about 6 months.
View attachment 135227
I'm not in a hurry but some projects seem to take a really long time

At any rate . . . hope to keep this one moving along. LOML is getting impatient for her new vanity.

Beautiful work looks great!

 

[glenn bradley]

Before I do the final finish work I want to drill the holes for the figure 8 connectors. The bar gauges come into play again to assure that I am square.

I use old gift cards to assure a bit of clearance for seasonal movement on these captured areas.

I did need to put just a touch of diagonal pressure on the open faced framework.

I was going to mark the holes, disassemble and drill but decided to go with an extended Vix bit and drill the holes in place. The tape is to protect the material from rub marks should I wander.

It will come apart again for the final finishing stages but I do get to get a look at what the table is going to look like.

 

[Rennie Heuer]

I think you've done that hunk of walnut proud.

 

[glenn bradley]

I think you've done that hunk of walnut proud.

I surely hope so. I will post a pic of it in place in a few days. I really want Larry to be glad he sent me the material.

 

[glenn bradley]

There are always more things left to do before the finish line than you think. Posting more baby steps here but things get sooo slowww towards the end. Here I am aligning the figure 8 connectors for the top with the shelf affixed in place. I do these sort of steps right before I finish the finish and do any other detail work. That way I can fix anything I goof up during the final steps.

I use painter's pyramids, deodorant toppers, and hockey pucks for assembly / finishing support. I have also found 45 degree off cuts from mitered panels to be useful for narrow or awkward pieces.



I keep a bunch of them in the bottom of one of the rolling tables.

Ta-da.

I am a dumpster-diver. I scrounged a big roll of these paper squares from a shipping place. Once the roll gets down to the last few dozen they swap it out and recycle them. I asked if I could have a roll-end, they said yes, and I have been using them as throw-away drop cloths for years.

When it comes time to finish the finish, these are my usual suspects for that process. With 1500 or 2500 grit stuff you can buff out shiny spots, disguise weird chatoyance from reversing grain and so forth. The raking light is something you should always have on hand.

Here is the top after buffing out a clear lacquer top coat and adding a paste wax finish..

Same for the shelf.

I know I am really "done" when I land the date medallion.

I promise the next pics will be with it in place . . .

 

[Robert Horky]

Just amazing detail and execution. We are all watching closely.

 

[glenn bradley]

I have a few of my hand screws leather lined for when I want to grip things without damaging them.

This piece is a bit top heavy so I clamp the base to the bench prior to adding the shelf.

I carry the top in separately and screw it on in place. And there you go.

 

[Tom Niemi]

And yet another great piece, well done

 

[Robert Horky]

Totally top notch and we have enjoyed the entire journey. Now what?

 

[glenn bradley]

@Robert Horky - I think it is LOML's vanity or a large mirror frame. Both have been waiting too long.

 

[David Johnson]

That is a great piece of furniture. You did an outstanding job. And the tutorial was enjoyable. Followed along with great pleasure.
David

 

[Vaughn McMillan]

Top-notch build as usual, Glenn! I really appreciate the fact that you take the time to document your process so thoroughly.

 

[Tom Niemi]

Larry was over yesterday and saw the pictures, he gives his approval

 

[glenn bradley]

Larry was over yesterday and saw the pictures, he gives his approval

That is awesome Tom. Thank you for that.