Chris Salomone from Foureyes Furniture takes on the ambitious project of constructing one of the largest dining tables he has ever made. Despite warnings from friends and viewers that the design was a bad idea, Chris and his woodworking partner, Sean, decided to forge ahead with their plan.
Getting Started: Choosing the Right Slabs
Chris reveals that he has been woodworking for about ten years, but this marks his first experience working with large slabs. Sean, who has a similar level of experience, has only built one other slab table, measuring a modest six feet long. As they explore their options at Street Tree Revival in Anaheim, California, they are drawn to a pair of impressive elm slabs. Their enthusiasm resembles that of kids in a candy store, as they realize the potential in these beautiful pieces of wood.
Preparing the Slabs for Epoxy
Once back at their shop, the duo takes careful steps to prepare the slabs for epoxy pouring. They meticulously inspect each slab, using an awl and chisels to remove any loose bits that might compromise the integrity of the final product. Chris emphasizes the importance of this step, considering that the table will not reside in either of their homes, but rather in a buyer’s space.
Mixing and Pouring Epoxy
With the cracks cleaned out, they begin prepping for the epoxy pour using Fathom Thick Set from Total Boat, which is designed to fill depths of up to three inches. However, they quickly learn that their tape isn’t strong enough to hold the heavy epoxy, resulting in a minor spill. They adapt by pouring a thinner initial layer to create a barrier for the deeper pour. Chris humorously compares cleaning up the spilled epoxy to a fun activity, albeit not as thrilling as a roller coaster ride.
Dealing with Unexpected Challenges
As they flip the slabs over to inspect the pour, they experience the excitement of unwrapping a gift on Christmas morning—if that gift were dried epoxy. After a successful initial pour, they discover a small puddle of epoxy the next morning, leading to some panic as they try to figure out how it leaked. Chris notes that while adding epoxy is straightforward, removing bark is a delicate operation that requires precision.
Flattening the Slabs
Once the epoxy has cured, the slabs need to be flattened, and they enlist the help of a local cabinet shop with a wide belt sander. After some trial and error in finding the right place, they successfully get the slabs sanded and returned to their workshop.
Shaping the Edges
Next, Chris and Sean start shaping the edges of the slabs. They aim for a balance between a clean look and the natural aesthetic of the wood. As they work, they are reminded of the importance of preserving the wood’s character while ensuring durability.
Building the Table Base
Turning their attention to the base, they decide to let the design of the slabs guide them rather than adhering to a pre-determined plan. Chris poses a question to viewers about their preferences for detailed explanations versus more passive watching experiences during the construction process.
Assembling the Base
As they assemble the base, Chris reflects on the benefits of using hardware instead of traditional joinery, especially considering the weight and size of the table. They opt for robust bolts over decorative brass screws, ensuring the table’s stability.
Final Touches and Finishing
Once the assembly is complete, they move on to finishing the table. They sand the surfaces and apply a black polyurethane finish, encountering some hiccups along the way. Initially, the finish doesn’t appear right, leading them to stir the can thoroughly, which ultimately resolves the issue.
The Reveal and Center Treatment
With the finishing touches in place, Chris and Sean present the completed table, leaving the center open rather than filling it with glass or epoxy. This decision sparks discussion about aesthetics and functionality, ultimately prioritizing the buyer’s preferences. Chris emphasizes that the final product is meant for someone else to enjoy, making their opinion the most important.
Conclusion
Chris concludes the video by thanking his viewers and collaborators, inviting them to share their thoughts on the project. The journey of building this stunning 10.5-foot dining table showcases not only the challenges of working with large slabs but also the creativity and adaptability that woodworking demands.
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