I haven't tried making my own furniture yet, but I'd gonna give it a try. Every since elementary school refused to allow me into wood shop (I had to take home economics where I learned to make placemats, potholders, and aprons, yuck), I've wanted to work with wood, make useful things. But I never learned the basics as a kid, and only now am trying to figure it out.
I recently acquired two slabs of monkey pod from a dead tree. That's a variety that grows in my area. Monkey pod has very pretty grain. Well...at least that's my opinion. These two slabs are about 2 1/2 to 3 inches thick. One is about 18 inches on its widest diameter, the other about 36".
This bigger one has two holes in it. While others may see this as a defect, I count it as an asset. It will give the tabletop some character. Tables, yes. That's what I have in mind.
First step is to rough sand it. The initial sanding is with #50 sandpaper and a belt sander. There are a lot of gouges from the saw, so it will take a bit of sanding.
So after the initial sanding, this is what they look like...........
So far, I'm pretty pleased. Now I'll sand them using a finer grit, #80 paper.
I think the grain is oh so pretty. Plus I plan on leaving the bark on and let it be rough. I still haven't figured out what sort of finish to use. Hope I decide well and don't ruin them. But we shall see what happens.
These are going to be beautiful! You could always seal it with walnut oil, but maybe you're thinking of doing something more protective like a lacquer?
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I think you're on to something!
ReplyDeleteCould radial cracking (from centre to the bark) be a problem.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Monkey pod is resistant to this - some species crack less than others.