Friday night, I went down to the shop because I wanted to build something. I started with a small slab of Western maple and designed the piece on the fly. I documented the build live on Twitter and what you see below are the updates from the third session (see what I did in the first session and second session). This was useful because each update had a time stamp so followers could see the rate at which I progressed.
(If you are not familiar with the format used on Twitter, every update, or “tweet” below starts with a username, being the author of that tweet. Sometimes, you see two or more usernames in a tweet. The second (and third, etc) usernames are preceded by a @ symbol and are people to whom the author is talking. The other symbol you see is #, which serves as a category. I try to remember to categorize all my tweets pertaining to this project under #flairww.)
FlairWoodworks This is how I left the shop. The table doesn’t look as tall from this angle. #flairww -12:30 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks I’d forgotten how hard softwood is to cut cleanly! #flairww-12:42 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks Here is one end radiused. Now I need to round over the corners. I’ll start with a rasp. #flairww -12:52 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks Actually, a block plane is a better tool to start with because it works faster. I’ll switch to a rasp to refine the shape later. #flairww -12:54 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks The wide chamfers look nice but I don’t think they suit this piece. Not here. #flairww -12:59 PM Apr 8th, 2012
BCcraftmaster @FlairWoodworks nice! -1:02 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks I used my plane to transform the chamfers into roundovers. My sense of touch tells me how fair the curve is. #flairww -1:06 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks It’s getting closer. A bit more shaping. #flairww -1:11 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks I used a rasp to refine the shape. I am constantly using my left hand to feel for any ridges. #flairww -1:20 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks After some sanding, this is what I have. I love 80-grit!#flairww -1:54 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks I removed the handle from my countersink and used it in my drill. It leaves a neat pattern. #flairww -2:29 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks Time for finishing! #flairww -2:52 PM Apr 8th, 2012
BCcraftmaster @FlairWoodworks not to shabby for 2 days of work! -2:58 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks @BCcraftmaster See what happens when I’m inspired?#flairww -3:00 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks When I set the table on the ground, I realized that it isn’t as sturdy as I’d like. I’m going to use larger fasteners. #flairww -3:02 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks I’m replacing #10 screw with 1/4″-20 bold and threaded inserts. This is how I drive the inserts. #flairww -3:06 PM Apr 8th, 2012
TT_TPR @FlairWoodworks Great! #flairww -3:11 PM Apr 8th, 2012
BCcraftmaster @FlairWoodworks how many hours in the shop on this one? -3:15 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks @BCcraftmaster I’m not sure. I’ll check when it’s done.#flairww -3:15 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks It’s not often that I work with softwoods and this is showing me how much better real joinery is than metal fasteners. #flairww -3:24 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks With the 1/4″-20 bolts installed, there is a slight improvement. It’s passable but not rock-solid. #flairww -3:33 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks I guess I should change out of my nice clothes before finishing… #flairww -3:35 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks One coat of finish applied. Now I’ll clean up the shop while I wait for it to dry. #flairww -4:26 PM Apr 8th, 2012
DyamiPlotke @FlairWoodworks very nice, Chris. -4:30 PM Apr 8th, 2012
FlairWoodworks @DyamiPlotke Thanks, Dyami! This is fun! #flairww -4:31 PM Apr 8th, 2012
See the finished table HERE.
Sculptural Woodwork by Chris Wong 
2 thoughts on “Maple Slab Build, Session 3”