DIY Network

Inlaid Hall-Table: Finishing Touches From "Wood Works" episode WWK-608

The completed hall table with inlaid leaf design.

With the base and top complete, and the inlaid design done, the tabletop can be secured to the base and a lacquer finish is added to the completed table.

Materials:

Figure-8 fasteners
Hand-held drill
Forstner bit
Screwdriver attachment
Lacquer wood finish
Paint sprayer
Spray-on vinyl sealer and lacquer finish
Respirator mask
Eye protection
Protective gloves

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

Safety Alert: Always wear protective gloves, and ensure adequate ventilation, when working with wood stains, solvents and other toxic solutions. When working with some sprays and chemicals, a respirator mask may be required.

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Figure A

Finishing Touches

• Since the tabletop is made from solid cherry, the issue of wood movement is a concern. Wood typically expands and contracts with the seasons and with the degree of atmospheric humidity. To allow for that movement, we used figure-8 fasteners to secure the top.

• Use a drill and forstner bit to create the recesses in the apron for the figure-8's. Chisel the edges to allow for movement, then secure each figure-8 in place with a screw (figure A).
  

  	Figure B
  	Figure C

• Before actually attaching the top, apply the finish. We opted for a sprayed-on lacquer finish for durability. The first coat is a vinyl sealer. Evenly spray the vinyl-sealer coat over the entire surface of the tabletop (figure B) and base.

• Once the sealer has dried, add three to four coats of lacquer, allowing drying between coats, and sanding between coats with 320-grit sandpaper (figure C).

  Safety Alert: Be certain to wear a respirator mask, and work in a well-ventilated area, when working with spray-finishes, paints and solvents.
  

  Figure D

• Once the finish has dried, attach the top to the base using the figure-8's and screws (figure D).

RESOURCES :

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

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

Woodworker's Guide to Wood: Softwoods, Hardwoods, Plywoods, Composite, Veneers
Model: 080836878
Author: Rick Peters
(2000)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

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