I built this table using modified pocket hole plans and a mix of pine, spruce and cedar lumber.
When I laminated the boards together to the table top I also applied four culls to try to keep it flat as possible. When I removed the culls the boards weren't as even as I had wanted so I used a belt sander with a 120 grit to take out the high spots. I filled the knot holes with some 5 minute epoxy and I really liked the look. I would use decent epoxy if I do another large lamination of knottty wood as the $5 microtube I bought was thick and hand to work into the small voids around the knots. After the epoxy cured for 12 hours I gently used the belt sander gentle to remove the excess and then gave the entire table top a little 220 grit action.
Estimated Cost
This project cost around $300 in materials and took about 24 hours spread over a couple weekends to complete. The cost of the Kreg K4 jig isn't included in that price, but it will come in handy for the next few years.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I applied two coats of Minwax Fruitwood stain before topcoating with 4 coats of a 4:1 mixture of Helmsman Spar Urethane/Paint Thinnner. I gently sanded with 220 grit and then polished with a clean cloth between coats of the Helmsman. The Wood Whisperer from YouTube has some really helpful tips to get a smooth finish like diluting your finish and applying it with a clean cloth which has been moistened with paint thinner. I recommend checking out his channel.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
