DIY Network

Modern Cocktail Table: Finishing Touches From "Wood Works" episode WWK-713

This cocktail table makes full use of three complementary woods. The dark African wenge feet and top-banding offer contrast to the reddish jarrah wood of the frame. The visual highlight, however, is the warm, yellow tone and spectacular figure in the olive-wood veneer of the top.

NOTE: Images on this page may be enlarged for enhanced viewing simply by clicking on them.

In this episode of DIY Wood Works, host David Marks creates a contemporary cocktail table with a stylized veneer top. In this final segment, the tabletop is attached to the base and a wood finish is applied.

Materials:

Yellow glue
Blue tape
Hand plane
Sandpaper
Clamps
Tung-oil wood finish
Paint brushes
Rags

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
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Final Assembly and Finish

• With the veneered top complete, and the banding in place, the top can now be attached to the jarrah-wood base. First, dry-fit the top in the rabbet cut along the top edges of the aprons. Check the fit from top and underneath. If the top rests flat (figure A), and you see no gaps, then you have a good fit. If necessary, you can fine-tune the fit using a hand plane.

• For gluing in the top, first mask the edges with blue tape to minimize clean-up after the glue-up.

• Apply a bead of yellow glue to the rabbet (figure B) and along the edges of the top.
  
  
• Set the top in the rabbet (figure C).

• Use good clamping pressure to hold the assembly secure as the glue dries. Cork cauls will prevent marring of the surface by the clamps (figure D).

• After the glue has cured, remove the clamps and sand the entire surface to 320-grit.

• Apply a finish that will enhance the distinct figure of the olive wood. For this, David selected a tung oil finish (figure E).

Other tools and materials used in this episode:

Olive wood stock
Wenge stock
Jarrah stock
Baltic birch plywood for top substrate
Wooden dowels
MDF for templates
Table saw
Multi-router
Band saw
Jointer
Planer
Drum sander
Table router
Multi router
Vacuum press
Hand drill
Hand scraper
Clamps
Belt clamp
Bricks
Yellow woodworker's glue
Plastic resin glue
Blue tape
Straight-edge
Carpenter's pencil
Safety glasses or goggles

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

RESOURCES :

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

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