In this project, Chris from A Glimpse Inside demonstrates how to make a beautiful walnut and birch end table using his own veneers. This guide will take you through the entire process, detailing every step and providing insights into his techniques.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 1 piece of walnut (for veneers)
- 3/4 inch Baltic birch plywood (for the table base)
- Wood glue
- Starbond CA glue
- TotalBoat wood sealer and epoxy
- Blue tape
- Clamps (various types)
- Bandsaw
- Drum sander
- CNC machine (not needed, but nice to have)
- Table saw
- Palm router
- Sanding tools
- Heat gun
- Lazy Susan (for easy assembly)
Step 1: Flattening the Walnut
The project begins with a single piece of walnut, which Chris flattens before moving to the bandsaw. The goal is to cut the walnut into veneers for the table top.
Step 2: Cutting the Veneers
Using the bandsaw, Chris cuts the walnut into thin sheets, aiming for pieces slightly under a quarter inch thick. However, he experiences a close call when he accidentally runs his finger into the blade.
Step 3: Cutting the Tabletop
Next, he cuts out a round tabletop from Baltic birch using a CNC machine. The grooves cut into the bottom indicate where the legs will attach. You can also do this by hand.
Step 4: Flattening and Preparing the Veneers
Chris flattens the veneers further using a drum sander and rips them down to the desired width. This ensures a good fit when gluing them onto the tabletop.
Step 5: Clamping the Veneers
To attach the veneers to the round tabletop, Chris cleverly uses the negative space created by the CNC cut to apply clamping pressure effectively.
Step 6: Filling Gaps with Sawdust
After the veneers are applied, Chris notices a seam that needs filling. He creates sawdust from sanding another piece of walnut and uses it with CA glue to fill the gap.
Step 7: Preparing for the Final Finish
Before applying the final finish, Chris runs the veneers through the table saw to ensure clean edges and bookmatches the pieces for a seamless look.
Step 8: Applying the Epoxy Finish
Chris applies TotalBoat tabletop epoxy as the final finish, ensuring a durable and stunning surface. He uses a heat gun to eliminate bubbles and achieve a smooth finish.
Step 9: Assembling the Table
After the epoxy cures, Chris assembles the legs and attaches them to the tabletop using hidden brackets for a clean look.
Final Reveal
The completed walnut and birch end table showcases beautiful grain patterns and a sleek finish. Chris encourages viewers to explore their creativity by customizing their own versions of this project.
With patience and careful attention to detail, this project transforms a single piece of walnut into a stunning piece of furniture that can enhance any home.
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