this  mantle was made from a slab from a magnolia tree that I found at Peachstate Lumber...  I used the 850 planer with the undulating planer head and messed it all up and also used the raz 115 for gouging nicking etc.

then I stained it with aged oak stain.. which gave it a great look.  I had to rip the piece down to 11"  wide and so the cut off rip I used to put along the back of the mantel and also messed it up too.

This was at a customers house that I have done a built in and a mud room bench and storage cabinets... the builder who did this porch and fireplace I told him to let me make the mantle and also told the customer... but they did not listen... when builder got done they put a railroad 8x8 tie up their and put a crack in it... that was his idea of a rustic mantel... when I saw it I told the customer it looked like crap, (and in those words)  well several months went by and they called me to replace it and do what every I wanted....love it...we had to spend about 45 minutes removing the tie as they cemented it in somewhat and also it was way off level and tilted back !!!

so this is the result and they are so so so happy... I am emailing the contractors pics so next time maybe they will listen to me and hire me. !!!!

I also used the ts75 to rip it down, had to flip it and cut the other side as it was 4" deep.

but all the festools arsenal I have worked very well and made this project awesome..  

Very nice Kreg. Looks good

Yabba dabba do!  Looks better than a railway tie.  Much better.  I like that you left the bit of branch intact.