Johnny Brooke from Crafted Workshop takes on the challenge of building a live edge river table, a design inspired by the renowned woodworker Greg Klassen. This project combines a glass inlay with natural live edge slabs, creating the illusion of a flowing river between the wood. If you’re interested in stunning woodworking designs, be sure to check out Johnny’s YouTube channel for the full build.
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Sourcing and Preparing the Wood
Johnny started with a live edge cherry slab, which he found at a local dealer for just $55. The slab had some natural imperfections, including bowing and cupping, making it ideal for this project since the cutting and flattening process would remove these flaws.
To prepare the slab, Johnny cut it in half using a circular saw and a straight edge. Once the pieces were separated, he flattened them using a planer and jointer, ensuring both halves were even. For woodworkers without these tools, a router sled setup could also achieve similar results.
Creating the Glass Template
With the wood ready, Johnny moved on to creating a template for the glass insert. Using cardboard, he carefully traced the natural contours of the live edges, ensuring the glass would mimic the organic flow of the slab.
Instead of cutting the glass himself, Johnny worked with a local glass company that provided a precision-cut insert for around $100. This ensured a clean fit without the risks of DIY glass cutting.
Routing the Inset for the Glass
To create a recessed area for the glass, Johnny secured the slab pieces on his assembly table and positioned the glass on top. Using double-stick tape, he temporarily held it in place before using a router with a template bit to carve out the channel.
Making multiple shallow passes, he achieved the desired depth for a flush fit. Once routed, he cleaned up the edges with a card scraper and sandpaper, ensuring a smooth transition between the wood and glass.
Shaping and Refining the Live Edge
The live edges needed additional shaping to remove loose bark and refine their natural contours. Johnny used a combination of chisels, a spokeshave, and sanding tools to achieve a polished but organic look.
After finalizing the glass placement, he trimmed the ends of the slab for a clean, uniform fit. These adjustments ensured that the table maintained a balanced and seamless appearance.
Sanding and Epoxy Work
Sanding was an essential step to bring out the wood’s natural beauty. Johnny used a drum sander for efficiency, followed by finer sanding grits to achieve a smooth surface.
To stabilize small cracks and holes in the wood, he applied epoxy resin, ensuring a clear and durable fill. He chose ArtResin, which has no fumes, making it easier to work with in a shop environment.
Constructing the Table Legs
For the table legs, Johnny used walnut lumber, cutting and milling it to the appropriate dimensions. He opted for a simple rectangular design, keeping the focus on the live edge slab and glass top.
To assemble the legs, he used a Festool Domino XL, which created strong floating tenon joints. This method ensured the legs would be sturdy while maintaining a clean aesthetic.
Final Assembly and Finishing
Before attaching the legs, Johnny drilled elongated bolt holes to accommodate seasonal wood movement. This small but crucial step helps prevent pressure from building up against the glass, reducing the risk of stress cracks.
For the final finish, he applied Minwax Wipe-On Poly, a user-friendly option that enhances the wood’s grain while providing a smooth satin finish. After assembly, the table was secured using bolts, allowing for easy disassembly if needed.
A Stunning and Functional Design
This build resulted in a breathtaking live edge river table that showcases the beauty of wood, glass, and thoughtful craftsmanship. The combination of natural materials and modern design makes it a statement piece in any home or office.
Johnny’s detailed process and inspiration from Greg Klassen demonstrate how careful planning and execution can lead to a truly unique woodworking project. For anyone looking to build a similar piece, his video provides valuable insights and techniques.
Visit Johnny’s website to see all his woodworking plans.