Asian Hall Table

[nclemmons]

Just completed this table based on a design from FWW a few months back.  The completed piece is 48 wide by 13" deep by 32" high.  I really liked the design and it was a new challenge with lots of curves and through mortise and tenon joinery.

it was a lot of fun building, but took a lot of time to work through the process.  Fortunately FWW offered both plans as well as the video walk-through of the build process.

Mortises were cut with the 1400 router and the tenons cut on the bandsaw.  Trion jig saw helped with the curves.  Legs have curves and tapers on three sides, done on the router table and then the joiner and planer.  Lots of hand plane and scraper work and the Festool 150/3 and RS400 sanders were key to some of the final finishing.

Wood is walnut.  Finish is oil and varnish mix. 

Questions or feedback welcome -

neil

 

[rmwarren]

Neil,

Beautiful piece, very nicely done! Something similar is on my "fun projects I need time to do" list, I really like the floating top look.

Thanks for posting.

RMW

 

[jacko9]

Great work Neil,

I made a few variations of Tim's small cabinet and posted them on the Fine Woodworking web site.   I'm sure that Tim would be proud of your project.  I'm curious as to why you didn't take advantage of the Domino Joiner for the M&T joints?

BTW, I had just completed a Shaker style Honduras Mahogany hall table before Tim started that project or else I would have built mine with that same design, it is a great looking piece.

Jack

 

[nclemmons]

Jack and RMW

Many thanks for the compliments.  The floating top really makes this table I think.

Jack you asked about the Domino.  I debated doing domino joinery rather than the through M&T joinery on the three cross-braces, but in the end, really liked the look of the through joinery.  I've done a lot of traditional M&T joinery through the years, before the Domino and am certainly used to it.  It's a lot slower when compared to the Domino, but I decided to stay true to the look of the design.

I also debated using Domino's on the rail to leg joint, but was worried about not having enough strength on that joint.  It is a 2 degree splayed leg and the way it's made is to cut the mortise deep enough (about 1 1/8") and then taper the legs using the joiner and planer.  The tenons are 2" x 3/8" in size and are 1" long.  I did not think I could go deep enough with the Domino and maintain the strength that was needed.

BTW at your suggestion, I did drop a note to Tim Rousseau on the completed table.  Perhaps he'll join the discussion here!

neil

 

[Scott B.]

Great job, Neil. The finish on the walnut is deep. Nice.

 

[Nick C]

Very nice work! The through-tenons are a nice touch--and I know they are not easy! And I agree that--quick and convenient though the Domino is--your traditional M&T leg-to-rail joint is much stronger.

 

[tiralie]

Beautiful looking table (design) excellently executed.
Tim

 

[Keimartworks]

Looks great!

 

[sl_1800]

Very nice work!!  I really enjoyed the video series from FWW when that came out.

 

[danrush]

I was lucky to be able to visit with Neil this past weekend and get a chance to see this project in person.  His photos don't do his table proper justice. It really is stunning.
Dan