I just came across this thread. What a great project. Thanks for all the photos and explanations. The legs are really looking great!

Well,

Quick update: I have the chairs at the upholsterer, I will try to take pictures when I get them back.

Have started on the table, and made the pedestal. Delivery date is looming, I leave for NYC on the 18th....

When I get back I will hit the slab table pretty hard and finish it.

Cal

Make sure you bring your passport. They don't like folks from NC visiting NYC.

'sides where you gonna get good BBQ up there?

Barry,

Thanks for the warning....I have been in and out of "The City" a bunch of times over the years. One of the coolest things I have ever done was spend half an hour on the roof of the World Trade Center back in the mid nineties. I went to college in eastern PA with a bunch of yankees, so I know what I'm getting into!

Actually you probably know that Hertford is the hometown of Jim "Catfish" Hunter and when I was a boy he was playing for the Yankees. He went to high school with my Dad and I am friends with his son. So I have been a lifelong Yankees fan. In college I went to a bunch of games in the Bronx, and yes, we had our car broken into and burglarized! So NYC is ok by me, as long as I get to leave after a day or two.

I plan to go by Irion lumber on my way, and to go the Met to look at the collections, looking forward to both of those stops.

And by the way, I will be back in Perquimans in early Feb, working with my Dad in the shop for a week. We should catch up if you get a chance. I also forgot to answer your question from earlier, you are welcome to use my pattern for the cabriole leg.

Later, Cal

Cal,

Glad to hear that everything is going well. Looking forward to seeing the finished table...

Speaking of tables, have you gotten the veneer figured out on your commission? Can't wait to see it, either.

You driving or flying to NC?

Take care,

Whit

Whit,

Driving - how else am I going to bring my piece home? We are planning to build this desk

It was built in Perquimans County, NC in the 18th century by a cabinetmaker named Thomas White. The piece is at MESDA in Winston Salem. The desk clearly shows a relationship to Newport, Goddard/Townsend school of work. Scholars including my brother have attempted to prove White was in Newport at some time, but the desk gives a lot of proof.

Another cool thing about the desk is that is was made for Thomas Newby and passed on to Exum Newby in Perquimans county, who was a distant relative of the Hobbs family somewhere down the line (most of my original Quaker roots are from the mid 1600's in the same Co. I grew up in). So you could say we are reproducing a family piece.

Many times I drive through Nashville on my way, either going or coming. If I pick up my brother in Indy, that might change, though. Would you be up for a visit? CH

I really like the ornamentation on the feet and base, what a nice way to add some embellishment without going over the top.

Cal,
I would like to get up with you while your in Hertford.

Gotta bust your chops about NYC. I actually was stationed there on Governor's Island back in 1987, I've been back there bunch of times since. I've had a blast each time I was there.
To tell you the truth I enjoy Boston probably more. Ilived in MA for about 10 years, mostly on Cape Cod.

I'm extremely jealous your going to irion. Man I need to hit that place, along with Wintherthur.

I like all of the embellishments around the desk top area.

Whit,

I found some veneer and have cut them up into the starburst and have pieced them together...

I am very much outside my comfort zone on the veneered tabletop, but I have enjoyed trying out a new skill. I found a commercial shop with a vac. press and we are gluing it up this afternoon. Wish me luck.

Any last minute pointers from anyone before I press? I would appreciate it, Cal.

Cal,
Good luck w/ your tabletop glue-up.. Oh, BTW that walnut crotch pattern is really amazing, can't wait to see it finished and come together.

This has been a great "Play by Play" to follow along with..

Thanks Scott. Hopefully soon I can get out of this "stream of consciousness" and finish the slab table and tackle one project at a time. But I know you understand (your current project comes to mind). CH

Cal,

1. I'd love to catch up if you drive through.

2. The desk is a really cool piece, even aside from its historical importance to you. I look forward to seeing it (hopefully in person in the back of your truck).

3. The starburst is looking good. How did the glue up go? How much stringing/inlay are you planning on doing?

Talk to ya soon,

Whit

Last Minute Pointer: PRAY... Always works for me..

Rat.

Well,

The veneering went very well, thanks to the Rat's prayers! I am getting closer to getting this one done. I did pick up the chairs tonight after dinner.

Check them out...Cal

Cal,
Kudos to you man.. your Empire/pottery barn style chairs really turned out great. What style is the table you're building? I don't recall seeing it mentioned in your thread.

You are a one man furniture factory! I need to sign up for classes w/ you.

As far as classes.......I could learn a lot from you, brother!

The table is a round 42" dining table with a sunburst veneered top (you can see the veneer pieced together a few posts ago). It has a pedestal base that is sort of round but in a pillowed/columned fashion. Hard to explain, so here's a picture.

Thanks for your comments on the chairs. Cal

Nearing the finish line.

Here is the table in its finishing stages. So far so good. I did have some bubbles in the veneer after the water based dye - they ironed out pretty well.

Needs some more work on the finish -she would like a glossy top - but it looks like I might make my completion date of Wednesday. Hopefully I will get some better pics before then.

I feel pretty good about my first attempt at veneering and look forward to incorporating it into my future projects.

comments??? Cal

Cal, nice job on your choice of materials, the veneering and the finish. I love the top. But, to me, the base pedestal looks over-sized for it. Then again, it could just be the angle of the pic or my old eyes.

Rat.

Ok,

The table and chairs have been delivered to NYC last week, the customer happy, and check deposited. Whew.

Now I think I can re-start carving on the Slab table. Look for updates to come.

Hope all had a happy Thanksgiving. Cal

Cal,

The table and chair ensemble looks great. Money in the bank is always a good thing. Looking forward to seeing the slab table updates

Rat.

hey cal,nice job...this is the first time seeing this post...man where have i been?? what did you use for a sub top?

Thanks Tommy, the top was crotch walnut veneered onto baltic birch plywood. The bottom side was veneered with plain-sliced walnut.

Althought this was very different than anything I have ever done, it was nice to jump in and get my feet wet with veneering. CH

Well there is an actual slab table update.

Got out in the shop over the long weekend and went to carving on the legs, the acanthus portions below the knees. Sorry the picture is not better.

The legs are substantially carved, now they will need to be cleaned up as good as possible before the table is glued together. Thanks,

Couple of cold evenings in the shop, a little progress.

Two of the legs have been carved and cleaned up, and tonight I cleaned up the feet on the same two legs and glued up one side! Glueing up one side really doesn't save me any time, but it felt good. Here are some pics I shot with my cellphone....Thanks for looking, Cal.