This project was built and designed by Keaton Beyer. It features a round modern coffee table with elegant curves, strong joinery, and a refined walnut finish—representing what Keaton calls his best build yet.
The entire process reflects thoughtful design, steady skill progression, and a deep appreciation for fine woodworking. From shaping the base to finishing the top, each step builds toward a polished, custom piece of furniture.
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Designing the Table and Creating Templates
The build begins with creating templates from quarter-inch plywood to shape the base. These templates guide the consistent shaping of curved legs and stretchers, ensuring repeatability and symmetry.
The lower shelf appears to float within the structure—a design choice that adds visual interest while requiring precise layout and joinery. Keaton’s approach shows how strong design foundations lead to a successful result.
Milling and Flattening the Walnut
Once the templates are complete, the focus shifts to milling the walnut. Without a jointer, Keaton uses a planer sled to flatten rough boards—a practical solution for small-shop setups.
Before planing, he checks the grain direction by feel, running his hand across the board to avoid tear-out. This attention to detail keeps the boards clean and prevents damage during milling.
Cutting and Shaping the Base Components
With flat boards in hand, Keaton roughs out the leg and stretcher shapes on the bandsaw. He follows up with a trim router and router table to refine the shape against his templates.
This three-step process—bandsaw, router, and flush trim—results in accurate, repeatable components with smooth edges and graceful curves. It also allows him to iterate on design elements without wasting valuable hardwood.
Joinery: Dowels and Mortise-and-Tenon
Keaton uses dowels to join the legs to the base. He positions the dowels high enough in the joint to avoid interference with the stretcher’s curves, keeping the structure strong and clean.
For the stretcher, he uses mortise-and-tenon joinery to connect it securely between the legs. This connection serves as the main structural support for the tabletop and reflects traditional woodworking principles done with care.
Assembling the Base
Assembly starts with attaching the stretcher between the legs. Keaton takes his time during this phase, emphasizing patience and dry fitting to avoid misalignment.
Once glued, the joints are refined by hand. A chisel or block plane helps dial in the fit and clean up minor gaps—bringing out the craftsmanship that defines the final look.
Creating and Flattening the Tabletop
Keaton uses wide walnut slabs for the round top but must split them due to planer limitations. He flattens each half before gluing them back together, using the same careful approach he used on the base.
Once glued, he planes out any ridges and checks for flatness. A hand plane helps smooth transitions between boards, reducing sanding time later and maintaining the tabletop’s natural flow.
Cutting the Circular Top
To shape the round tabletop, Keaton uses a circle-cutting jig. He takes light passes to reduce the risk of tear-out and admits to some concern about the jig’s accuracy—but his careful technique pays off.
The circular shape is clean and balanced, complementing the curved leg structure below. This shaping step is both technical and visual, marking a key turning point in the project.
Filling Voids and Final Refinements
Any cracks or small gaps in the wood are filled with dyed black epoxy. This not only stabilizes the wood but adds contrast and visual depth to the surface.
Keaton then adds a thumbnail profile to the tabletop edge—a small detail that softens the form and enhances the table’s overall character. These kinds of finishing touches make a handmade piece stand out.
Applying a Durable Finish
The table is finished with Natura Onecoat, a two-part hard wax oil that offers both protection and a natural appearance. Keaton likes its ease of use and durability, especially for a piece intended for a client’s home.
The finish enhances the walnut’s rich grain while protecting it from daily use. It’s the final step in a long process and brings all the elements together into one cohesive design.
A Build That Represents Progress
Keaton describes this as his best build to date, not just because of the result, but because of how much he learned along the way. Every step—from planning to shaping to finishing—shows the value of slowing down and paying attention to detail.
This project is a great example of how a thoughtful build process and solid techniques can produce heirloom-quality furniture, even in a small workshop.
Please support Keaton, but visiting his website: https://www.keatonbeyerwoodworking.com/.