10-03-2015, 10:38 PM
I Started with some nice 8/4 QSWO
Skip planed to expose grain for matching
I used my Dewalt 734 to plane these boards, some of which I think weighed more than the planer. It got the job done, with some effort.
Instead of using my 6" jointer to edge these boards, I used my Dewalt track saw. It did an excellent job.
I used my circle cutting jig and my plunge router to cut out the circular top. I made passes of about 1/4". The top is 69.5" in diameter. I was going for 72", but the boards didn't quite yield that width. Close enough.
During routing I discovered a defect, seen on the left, which I repaired with glue and clamps.
I had been considering a Festool Domino XL for some time, and this project was the tipping point. It is an expensive tool, and I do not think it justifies the price tag. That being said, it save me a LOT of time and produced excellent results.
Here's the finished base. I was going for a design that provided plenty of stability, and stayed out of the way at the same time.
The top weighs around 180# and is attached with gravity. These dowels keep the top oriented. There are matching holes in the underside of the top, which are slightly over-sized to allow for expansion.
Here's the final product.
I rounded over the edges of the top using my Milwaukee 5625 router.
The finish is Waterlox because it is tough, easy, and does a fair job of popping the grain.
Skip planed to expose grain for matching
I used my Dewalt 734 to plane these boards, some of which I think weighed more than the planer. It got the job done, with some effort.
Instead of using my 6" jointer to edge these boards, I used my Dewalt track saw. It did an excellent job.
I used my circle cutting jig and my plunge router to cut out the circular top. I made passes of about 1/4". The top is 69.5" in diameter. I was going for 72", but the boards didn't quite yield that width. Close enough.
During routing I discovered a defect, seen on the left, which I repaired with glue and clamps.
I had been considering a Festool Domino XL for some time, and this project was the tipping point. It is an expensive tool, and I do not think it justifies the price tag. That being said, it save me a LOT of time and produced excellent results.
Here's the finished base. I was going for a design that provided plenty of stability, and stayed out of the way at the same time.
The top weighs around 180# and is attached with gravity. These dowels keep the top oriented. There are matching holes in the underside of the top, which are slightly over-sized to allow for expansion.
Here's the final product.
I rounded over the edges of the top using my Milwaukee 5625 router.
The finish is Waterlox because it is tough, easy, and does a fair job of popping the grain.
