We are done cutting this to size and sanding. Since this is a rare piece we wanted to
maintain the largest size as possible, which also meant keeping some
imperfections (if you remember back to the design sketch we only had one predetermined dimension, wanting to optimize the proportions given what the top slab would allow). So I can now say that the
top is approximately 16” x 48”. The most obvious is the tear down the middle,
but this is what actually makes this unique and adds a lot of character. There
are some other minors but again choosing to keep as natural a look as possible.
So this is a new wood for us so we wanted to do a little
research to make the best choices for finishing. Normally we favor a hand rubbed Tung Oil finish for most of our
pieces but with woods that are dark we always have a concern about color change
with exposure over time to sunlight. So
we found a pre-finish, Watco Teak Oil that looked like it was perfect for this
wood. It provides some UV protection
and it sure brought out the color in the wood.
Here is that same sample piece from the last post with the pre-finish
applied.
This oil needs to be applied liberally so it can penetrate
and then set aside to dry for at least 72 hours. And don’t leave the finish materials, rags, etc around, highly flammable.
After applying the pre-finish, and letting this dry for a
week, we started final finishing using our Tung Oil of choice and are starting
to build up the finish. Here is a
little preview in processing of the actual top in process.
Next we are onto starting the base, hard maple legs with the Santos Rosewood inlay to pull the base and top together.
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