Cherry coffee table with herringbone tiled top

Submitted by monty742 on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 05:23

I altered the plan a little - this is 40" square.  I edge-glued planks for the bottom level, so I had them sit on top of the aprons instead of inside them.  Note: if you have top and bottom aprons attached to the legs before you put the bottom in (that will sit on top of the apron and not within), you can't get it on in one piece...oops. :) The most difficult part was the herringbone - figuring all the dimensions, cutting everything precisely, getting all pieces to fit, and finding a way to attach it to the framing boards and support in underneath.  I love the table, but I'm very frustrated with the finish.  It's so blotchy, and I tried to do everything correctly to prevent that (see info on the finish).  With every project I learn a few things...

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Cherry isn't economical...$500. I used it because it matches the basement.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Conditioner - don't follow the manufacturer directions here to apply the stain within 2 hrs...wait 24 hours and then apply stain or yours might be as blotchy as mine is...I got my Fine Woodworking magazine in the mail the day after I finished the project, and there was an article that showed the progression of blotchiness with the wood conditioner at different time intervals. Oh, if I had only waited a couple days to finish it!

Minwax Provincial Stain

Rusto-leum Matte Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

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