A coffee table with a different flavor
#11
I recently completed a coffee table per my wife's request. What makes it different is what is inlaid into the top.
She grew up on a farm in an old two story farm house that was heated with a floor furnace. A number of years ago, the house was extensively damaged in the Greensburg (KS) tornado. When the house was finally taken down, we salvaged two grates from that floor furnace. These are the grates on each end of the top. The center grate (decorative) was a garage sale find.

I have a piece of 1/4" glass set into the top and over all three grates. The center grate can be removed which reveals an open box that can be used to display "treasures". There is a removable panel at the bottom of the box so items can be exchanged in the box without having to remove the glass.

[Image: Coffee%20Table%20-1_zpspsk0a1eg.jpg]

[Image: Coffee%20Table%20-2_zpscaes5mlp.jpg]

[Image: Leg%20Detail_zpskrku6r9a.jpg]

[Image: Corner%20Detail_zpsvotk8ccj.jpg]

[Image: End%20Panel_zpscn5qfaza.jpg]

[Image: Center%20Panel_zpsjgoh5xnh.jpg]

[Image: Display%20Box%20-1_zpsrtfeh9ym.jpg]

[Image: Display%20Box%20-2_zpsevz5sqjk.jpg]

I left the glass off for the last two photos to avoid reflection.

As always, all comments, both pro and con are welcome.
There is a fine line between woodworking and insanity - sometimes I am not sure which side of the line I am on.
Reply
#12
Nice and original.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE EQUALS WISDOM. RMB
The SO asked me today, "what are you going to do to day"? I said "nothing".  She said, "that's what you did yesterday"! Me, "Yes love, but I was not finished yet"!!!!!!!!
Smirk

Reply
#13
Nice use of the grates and keeping that part of their homesite history.  
Smile
Reply
#14
You done good! I love the use of the grates

Reply
#15
Very, very well done. I remember that Greensburg tornado; surprised you found anything left to use for the table. But that is really nice!
I started with absolutely nothing. Now, thanks to years of hard work, careful planning, and perseverance, I find I still have most of it left.
Reply
#16
Boy does that look swell

I remember when I was a kid only the lower floor had heating and the grates allowed the heat to go into the rooms above.
As of this time I am not teaching vets to turn. Also please do not send any items to me without prior notification.  Thank You Everyone.

It is always the right time, to do the right thing.
Reply
#17
That really looks grate!
Bob
Reply
#18
A well executed design to showcase an interesting story.  Nicely done.

How did you finish the grates?

I grew up near Haviland KS, just down the road. My dad taught math at the Greenburg HS for a couple of years.
They told me anybody could do it, but I showed them.
Reply
#19
Very clever design - "good on ya" for the workmanship! Incorporation of meaningful family pieces makes it even better - nice going!

Doug
Reply
#20
What a clever idea!  And great execution as well. 
Yes
A retirement dedicated to fine woodworking and bad golf.
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

Product Recommendations

Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.