10/08/2024
Did you know that as a tree grows up and out towards the sunlight it twists and turns at the same time it grows thicker!
This twisting and turning stores what’s called potential energy.
The simplest visual is a compressed spring. As soon as you let go of the spring it pops out into its natural state of expansion.
It’s way more complicated in a tree that’s been growing for 80+ years.
If you’ve ever had a tree branch cut or a tree taken down you’ll know how unpredictable they can be.
So after I assembled and sealed the table I’ve been working on I saw it had moved about an 8th on an inch, right along the crack!!!
Nature has forced me to learn patience along with adapting to what the wood wants to do.
Ive added C-Channels in the base of the table to stop any more movement and I’ve decided to take the table finish to natural.
I’m working on the base as I want to keep as much natural form as I can. My vision is to honour the tree.
So the less straightening the less squareness the better
One problem I’ve had (of hundreds by the way) is trying to keep this project cost effective.
For wood this large it can get expensive for tools to work this material. So it’s important to have a plan based on your experience
Table top 300
Table legs 200
Screws and fasteners 60
Stains and sand paper 180
C channeles 130
Router and bits 700
Sander 900
Table saw 400
Jointer 900
Miter saw 1000
Clamps 300
Drills,drill press, band saw, levels, precision gages 2000
Labour hours I don’t want to talk about.
Vac 1000
Everything I forgot 1500
Oh and labour hours, I’m embarrassed but when you learning it’s going to be really really high.
Ok so is it worth it? Are you still reading?
I believe truly that when you take on a project any project, education, wellness, renovation or like me a really big table, it’s a place of self discovery.
Maybe you give up, it’s to much work, life keeps getting in the way, maybe you thrive and complete your project.
In the end it’s about just trying and learning.
I’m not a furniture maker, I’m a Handyman. But through this I’ve met some incredible people, Brandon the tree guy I got the slab from is such a kind honest person, the staff at Busy bee in Barrie who go out of there way to support what I’m doing.
So go do, ask for help, and don’t ever set an expectation set a goal just to learn and enjoy.
If you’re interested in attempting this kind of project feel free to reach out with any questions or any questions on home projects, I’d be happy to help.
In the end it’s really just about patience
Oh yes and ill defiantly post the finished product.
That I’ll be selling if anyone is interested.
