End Tables finished (almost)

[Ken Weaver]

Finally finshed (well - almost) the end table project. After coats of wipe on poly, brought them inside for the final 12 hours of curing. I need to put on the "Z" clamps to secure the tops, hopefully tomorrow evening. They are all different sizes (same height) because each place the LOML wanted to put one had different space available.

I really learned a lot on this one:
- Mortise and tenons aren't so bad once you practice some (also good excuse for new mortiser)
- I like using wipe-on poly, especially on table tops
- I can still screw things up royally, but getter better at hiding them
- Miller dowels make a nice touch
- I don't think I like the "production mode" of projects, felt like it took forever making parts until they started looking like something, guess I need more "instant" gratification

The full story is in my project diary, but the final update won't be until Tuesday.

Thanks for looking -

 

[Ray Martin]

Ken,

The tables are beautiful. I'm a fan of wipe on poly for tables too. With reference to bullet number one in your post... did you actually get a new mortiser as a result of this project??? (Maybe I need to borrow your table plans and start making some too.:lol:

Ray

 

[Ken Weaver]

Ken,

... did you actually get a new mortiser as a result of this project??? (Maybe I need to borrow your table plans and start making some too.:lol:

Ray

Uhhh - actually I did. See here. LOML wanted the tables so she was supportive.

 

[DaveO]

Wow, those look great. Three different sizes must of added a little spice to the project :lol: I know what you are saying about making multiple pieces, you make parts and then some more parts, and after making the last parts you get to put them all together....and hope you remember which parts go where :eusa_thin Looks to me like you had no problem in any of those areas. I am assuming that the Miller dowels are pinning the M&T joints...they could double as bomb shelters :lol: :lol: Definitely heirloom pieces, they aren't gonna fall apart anytime soon.
Great job, and good work, working in a new tool purchase. What mortiser did you get???
Dave

 

[Ray Martin]

Ken,

I've gotta tell LOML about this... to let her know I'm supposed to get new tools for certain projects for her.

I noticed you have a Ridgid sander in some of those photos... I've been thinking of getting that... how do you like it? How much use do you get out of it? Given the opportunity to do it over again, is that the sander you would buy again?

Ray

 

[Monty]

Nice looking tables, and nice strategy: new project = new tool!

 

[Ken Weaver]

Ken,

I've gotta tell LOML about this... to let her know I'm supposed to get new tools for certain projects for her.

I noticed you have a Ridgid sander in some of those photos... I've been thinking of getting that... how do you like it? How much use do you get out of it? Given the opportunity to do it over again, is that the sander you would buy again?

Ray

I buy it again in a heart beat. I used to have a Ryobi belt/disk combo but like the Ridgid much better. I use it a lot, more than I thought I would. It has a lot of flexibility with the belt and spindle arrangement.

Oh - Dave - it was the Delta, on sale from Amazon.

 

[DaveT]

Great tables! And nice job on snagging the mortiser in there too :lol:

 

[D L Ames]

Ken, that is one terrific table trio there.:icon_thum Those turned out very nicely. Did you use a hand held drill or a DP for your Miller dowels?

D L

 

[Dutchman]

Great job on the tables! Looks like you have a production line going there.

 

[Ken Weaver]

Ken, that is one terrific table trio there.:icon_thum Those turned out very nicely. Did you use a hand held drill or a DP for your Miller dowels?

D L

Thanks DL - used the DP to make the holes in the legs before assembly. Then when I assembled the rails and I clamped the joint tight, then I used the hand drill to make the holes in the tenon and then glued in the dowel. They're walnut.

 

[skeeter]

Nice job, and getting the new mortiser is definitely an added bonus!!!

 

[sapwood]

Sweet Ken! Mission accomplished on all counts :icon_thum

Roger

 

[FredP]

fine lookin tables. my to do list just keeps gettin longer.

 

[stoneskippers]

Great looking tables and very good post keeping us up with the work.

 

[DaveD]

Very nice tables. Will look great for years to come. Its nice to be able to custom make something to size to fit a particular space. I still have some tables in my living room that I made 35+ years ago.

I'd rather make several of the same thing/theme at the same time. Somehow if justifys all the jig up and planning/design, cleanup time a little better for me.

Remember...Every project requires a new tool of some kind. Can't be made without it.

 

[Matt]

Ken,

The tables are beautiful. I'm a fan of wipe on poly for tables too. With reference to bullet number one in your post... did you actually get a new mortiser as a result of this project??? (Maybe I need to borrow your table plans and start making some too.:lol:

Ray

Ray,

Here is what I think of my Rigid Sander(s)

http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/reviews/2359-rigid.r2720.belt.sander.html

 

[Bryan S]

Tables look great! The LOML saw them now she wants 2. She also noticed the comments on how to get them to agree to new tools, which I do need plenty of.