For me the biggest joy I get from woodworking is building things for family and friends. My next big project will be a Trestle Table for my friends Gordie and Patti. The two of them own and run the Grandview Inn, a really nice B&B in Mount Dora, Florida. You can check out their website at http://www.grandviewbb.net/.

Anyway, a few weeks ago while we were talking, Gordie asked me if I could build him a table for his new patio. He provided some ideas and we subsequently discussed some alternative designs. We settled on a trestle table.

Here's a picture of one they both really liked.


They need it to be 9' 6" long and 36" wide.

Since it will be exposed to the elements, I recommended using sinker cypress. Fortunately we were able to find a source for the material at Bruner Lumber Company in Bruce, Florida. Patty Bruner, the proprietor is working hard to find us the right materials. She will even arrange for shipping the lumber to me (500 miles away). If you are looking for a source of sinker cypress, here's a link to the business http://www.floridabackwatercypress.com/sinker-cypress/. They have some awesome slabs, but they are a bit pricey for us, so it looks like the table will be constructed from dimensioned lumber.

Next step.... Finalize the design, develop a materials list and get Gordie and Patti to buy the wood and have it shipped to me.

It's going to be a fun time in the old shop. Wish me luck.

To the tune of "With a Little Help from My Friends" (Lennon/McCartney -1967, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Heart Club) playing in the back ground, hear me shout..

Thank you NYNY.

Our Forum member NYNY helped me with the design by whipping up some renderings of the table based upon some information he was provided. His sketch was used to work up a stock list which has been sent to the Sinker Mill. Hopefully in the next day or two I will get a cost estimate for the materials from Bruner Lumber.

Again NYNY. Thank you for your help.

Bruce.

Looks like you have a great project ahead of you. I can't wait till I get a chance to build trestle table. I will definitely be keeping my eye on this thread.

The cost estimate for the materials came in this weekend and my friend Gordie gave it the "Thumbs Up". Looks like the cypress will cost somewhere around $1500 (delivered). Hopefully in a few weeks we will have a stash of Sinker Cypress in the shop.

In the mean time, I will be preparing the shop for the work. This will entail sharpening the cutters on my jointer and planer, sharpening all of my hand planes and chisels, and getting the shop detailed so that I have room to make some more sawdust. Oh, since most of the materials will be much wider than my jointer, I will also be making a 14-15" wide sled so that the planer can be used to joint the faces of the stock.

Have a great day!

that is AWESOME!!

Thanks JD and Tommy.. I can only hope that the finished project ends up looking as good as the rendering NYNY provided for me.

FYI, the sawyer said it will take about 4 weeks to dry out the stock before he can have it shipped to me.

Have a great day!

Got a call from my supplier. He said it will be 2 to 3 months for him to mill and dry the stock I need. Oh well. At least my friend doesn't mind waiting.

FINAL UPDATE: I received and email from my friends today. They found the table they originally wanted marked down 60% and bought it. Looks like I won't be building it any time in the near future.


Here's the table they purchased.

http://www.ebay.com/soc/itm/300825587881?roken=ldswvI

All is not lost. Now I can get cracking on finishing up the guest bedroom while I am on vacation. Celeste will be happy if I get that done. And we all know, a happy wife leads to a happier home!

did you get stuck with the lumber?

No

I'm glad you don't have to eat the lumber cost. It does suck not being able to build the table.

So true. But hey. I might just build it someday for us. Thanks to NYNY I have a good drawing