DIY Network

Glass-Top Table -- Finishing Touches From "Wood Works" episode WWK-305

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The table's top frame is secured to the base using wooden dowels. This mahogany table features an open display area, hidden joinery, subtle accents and a dark potassium-dichromate finish. Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E Figure F Figure G Figure H Figure I

After the glue has dried on the tabletop's corner splines, the wood splines are flush-trimmed using a block plane. The finishing steps in this table project include joining the tabletop frame to the base, and applying a wood finish.

Materials:

Cordless drill
Drill press
Doweling jig
Centering pin
Dead-blow hammer
Yellow woodworker's glue
Clamps
Wood finish
Paint brushes
Rags
Protective gloves

Note: Cut sizes may vary. For exact measurements, please contact David Marks through his Web site -- information below under Resources.

Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses when working with wood, power-tools, saws, drills, routers, etc.

Safety Alert: Always wear protective gloves when working with wood stains, solvents and other toxic solutions.



Steps:

• The tabletop frame is joined to the base structure using yellow glue. Wooden dowels are also used to secure the top, and ensure that it doesn't shift. Use a doweling jig and cordless drill to drill holes 1 inch deep on all four corners of the base. The jig ensures that each hole is perfectly centered and straight. Blue tape placed on the bit serves as a reference for drilling the holes to uniform depth (figure A).
  
  
  
• Once all of the holes have been drilled, place centering pins in each of the holes (figure B).
  
  
  
• Carefully lay the top onto the base, making sure that it is positioned precisely (figure C).
  
  
  
• Once the top is positioned properly, tap each corner with a dead-blow hammer (figure D). The centering pins leave indentations in the bottom surface of the frame indicating where to drill the corresponding holes in the top.
  
  
  
• At the drill press, use the marks as a guide to drill holes in the top (figure E) to match the corresponding holes in the base.
  
  
  
• Place yellow woodworker's glue in the dowel holes and on the edges of the base (figure F).
  
  
  
• Place the wooden dowels in the holes.
  
  
  
• Set the top into position, and apply even clamping pressure all around the frame (figure G).
  
  
  
• Once the glue has dried, a wood finish can be applied. For our table, we used a combination finish. First, potassium dichromate was brushed on (figure H) to turn the mahogany a deep rich color. Once the potassium dichromate has dried, apply a hand-rubbed tung-oil finish to produce a semi-gloss finish bring out the grain of the wood.

  Safety Alert: Potassium dichromate is toxic. Follow all safety precautions.
  
  
  

• The final step is to install the glass (figure I).When you get your glass cut, ask for a pencil-polished edge. It's a good idea to purchase your glass before laying out and cutting the rabbet in your top. In that way you can ensure a perfect fit.

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RESOURCES :

Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com

The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619

Woodworking Techniques: Best Methods for Building Furniture from Fine Woodworking
Author: Editors of Fine Woodworking magazine
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561583456

Mastering Woodworking Machines (Fine Woodworking Book)
Author: Mark Duginske
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 0942391985

David Marks Website
David Marks, DIY's Wood Works host, is a master woodworker. For more information on cut sizes and project details, please contact him via his Website at www.djmarks.com

Popular Woodworking
F & W Publications, Inc.
Website: www.popularwoodworking.com