Sapele side table

[nclemmons]

Just finished this sapele side table.  It was based on a cover story in Fine Woodworking from last fall with a few changes.  If you search for "graceful hall table" you'll find the original plans which I modified to simplify some of the construction.  This is the second sapele project I've completed and I really like the beauty of the wood and ease of working it.  it was a wedding gift.  Total completion time about 60 hours of work off and on over about six weeks.

Details:  Sapele with maple inlay in top and drawer fronts.  Drawer sides and bottom are hard maple.  Finish is General Finishes wipe on varnish and wax (four coats) wet sanded between coats and then rubbed out with 0000 steel wool between coats.  Four coats of paste wax to finish.  Sides and back panel are frame and panel with an inset sapele panel in routed grooves, visible somewhat in the second photo.

Dimensions:  32 high, 42 1/2 wide, 12 1/2 deep

Joinery is dominos or half blind dovetails.

Tools used:  Festool Rotex, 150/3, RTS 400, Domino, 1010EQ Router with Microfence edge guide for the inlay routing, T15+3, TS-55EQ, MFT-3, CT-22.  Dovetail tails were cut with Bridge City Jointmaker Pro & Knew Concepts Fret Saw.  

Feedback or questions welcome.

neil

 

[mouppe]

That is a very elegant piece. Congratulations!

Richard.

 

[DavidCBaker]

Beautiful craftsmanship. I'm jealous.

Is the top one piece? The grain makes it look like it is.

Terrific work. That sort of gift I'm sure means a whole lot.

 

[nclemmons]

David -

The top is two pieces.  Joint is at the rear - about two inches from the back edge.  I got lucky in finding grain that matched very well.

Thanks for the compliments.

neil

 

[ScotF]

Beautiful piece, Neil....excellent craftsmanship.  Love the inlay.

Scot

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Beautiful piece.  Tell us more about the fretsaw!!

 

[mattfc]

Great work...

Is this the Fretsaw?

See http://www.talkfestool.com/vb/knew-concepts/3667-coolest-fretsaw.html

 

[nclemmons]

Matt & Jesse

Thanks for the compliments.

That is the fretsaw in the photo and link though what you showed is the new titanium version.  I have the 8" red aluminum version.  It is excellent with a rigid frame and a very smooth cut.  Used it for cutting across the tails and the cleaned up with a chisel. 

That saw blows away my previous Stanley !!

Neil.

 

[Neill]

Neil,

Great work all around.  Love the detail inside and out.  The proportions look perfect.

I am sure that the lucky recipients really appreciate this beautiful piece.  Beats the heck out of a toaster.

Neill

 

[tigger]

that's one good looking piece of furniture mate. You should be proud.

 

[nclemmons]

Neill & Tigger -

Many thanks for the kind comments. 

The table was a BIG hit with the recipients.  They liked it so much they rearranged their room around it!

neil

 

[microfence]

Awesome Job, Neil!!!

Luis

 

[nickao]

Yes, very nice work. I am envious you had a chance to make it.  

 

[nclemmons]

Luis -

Thanks - the Microfence is excellent for doing the inlay accurately.  I only wish the MFK-700 had better visibility for that kind of work.  I ended up using the 1010 because it's easier to see detail work like the overlap of inlay pieces.

Nick -

I've seen your floor medallions.  I know very well the quality of work you do.  Thanks for the compliments!

Neil