Walnut and Steel

[NEW2FES]

Someone can be the greatest woodworker in the world but have no vision. What sets you apart is the ability to dream up such an artistic idea and then create it with what looks like fairly basic tools.

Nice Work!!

 

[Kev]

I really enjoyed seeing the pictures in this thread.  You did a good job building anticipation - conceal and reveal.  I love the design and combination of materials you used, as well as joinery selection.  It seems a little unorthodox to reinforce the mitre with a dovetail key and straight splines of varying size, but I really like the effect.

One change I would have liked to see was a bit of shape to the overall form of the shelf (ballooned, tapered, etc.).

Is the dovetail key that you signed under the table in the middle?  Nice way to sign your work.

I was going for an eclectic feel with the different splines and dovetail key.  There are a few other tiny inlays in random spots that I didn't photograph, but I guess Sean can find them.  That piece with my initials is underneath.  

I thought about the shelf section for a bit.  The live edges of the top have a curve to them, as does the steel base. I felt that the juxtaposition of these organic forms with geometric shapes introduces a certain tension and contrast to the "natural-ness" of the piece.  Different strokes I guess.    

From some angles the timbers for the shelf are reminiscent of organ pedals ... I like that they're so regular, it certainly does off geometric contrast.

 

[duburban]

and you said arch. school was a waste of time...

 

[jeep jake]

what did you use for the finish, and what did you use to finish the steel?

 

[Vindingo]

Stunning, Vin! A Viking longship came to mind when I first saw it. I also plumped for the LV 3/8" chisel...and I've yet to re-sharpen it! Superb tool.

Richard, it's quite a compliment coming from you, thank you. 

Have you seen these guys from LV?  I bought them about a year ago and didn't use them until this project. Very nice little kit.

Someone can be the greatest woodworker in the world but have no vision. What sets you apart is the ability to dream up such an artistic idea and then create it with what looks like fairly basic tools.

Nice Work!!

Thanks, and it is an interesting point you bring up. I have had this debate before with a "period-correct" tool user and furniture maker.  His claim was that the hardest thing to do in WWing is recreating a period correct piece with period correct tools.  My claim was that coming up with an iconic design is more difficult. Granted the philosophies are very different, but it's something that has always stuck with me.  Becoming a decent "mechanic" is important, but it only takes you so far.  I don't claim to be great at either, but it is something to strive for.  Before I stopped doing this kind of work seriously, it was a dream of mine to have a piece made by Herman Miller or Vitra, but not so much anymore.   

 

[Vindingo]

and you said arch. school was a waste of time...

Ha! I hated 90% of it...

what did you use for the finish, and what did you use to finish the steel?

Finish on wood is General Finishes Enduro-Var, metal was blued with Van's instant gun blue and sprayed with lacquer.   

 

[Vindingo]

Side table:

 

[Kev]

Hey Vin,

While you're going crazy on fusing metal with timber ... how about some steel to timber dovetails [big grin]

This is great stuff to watch evolve!

 

[flair woodworks]

how about some steel to timber dovetails [big grin]

Ooh!  I like that idea!

 

[Vindingo]

While you're going crazy on fusing metal with timber ... how about some steel to timber dovetails [big grin]

It's in the works... kinda.  A buddy and I spoke about it a few years ago when I showed him a bunch of wood/steel designs.  He worked in a metal shop in the same  compound as these guys http://joinerystructures.com/ and became fascinated with Japanese joinery.  When I sent him a few photos of this piece, he responded with "remember when I talked to you about Japanese joinery and cold rolled steel."  

The guys that laser cut this for me also have a water jet cutter that can cut 1" thick plate. Could be cool... and heavy!   I'll look in to freight to Oz     

 

[Vindingo]

Both of Sean's tables are living in my shop.  Very different feel to this one.   

 

[NEW2FES]

Looks cool. Since you are sanding off scale anyway did you ever try pickled steel?? It is much cleaner to work with if that is the look you are going for. I love the look of raw steel but once you weld you usually loose the look in the weld area. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

I am trying to do a similar look with a fireplace facing using mostly steel and some wood. I am struggling with 90 deg corners that when welded loose the seamless look of the strip of steel.

 

[PaulMarcel]

Beautiful table, design, and execution!  Thanks so much for posting so many photos of the work in progress.  Love the mix of wood and steel.

 

[Wonderwino]

Really nice, Vin!  My BIL and I just partnered on  Miller 252.  I'll have to try something new...

 

[Stephen B]

Congratulations Vin on some very creative and masterful work.

Your use of steel has reminded me of a long dining table I saw about ten years ago at a Bed and Breakfast on the coast of Nth Western Tasmania.

The table top was a jointed panel of long Tasmanian Blackwood boards.

Just as interesting was the metal base, which had been left at the beach for, as I remember, around three months with the tide rise allowing it to be covered with salt water and then aired twice each 24 hrs. This process left a rich red rust patina which was then treated with a neutralising agent (type, I do not remember), and then waxed.

 

[PaulMarcel]

I'd love to see a photo of that table, Stephen... that must have been some impressive patina!

 

[Tinker]

Both of Sean's tables are living in my shop.  Very different feel to this one.   

Vin, your welding has improved since The Cave
Tinker

 

[Vindingo]

Thanks Tinker,  to be honest I felt like I could never get the setting on the machine right.  I need to pick up a miller like Wonderwino. 

 

[Vindingo]

 

[peter halle]

Vin,

I can only say WOW! And after reading your posts here in detail, I envision that many people and families will embrace your decision frankly go to a higher calling.

I know you have skills far beyond you even know.

Peter