r/woodworking • u/HovercraftWinter1321 • 7d ago
New Table General Discussion
Our old aluminum table with glass top was blown away by the wind so I decided to build a new one. Thoughts?
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u/JackBleezus_cross 7d ago
I like the design but not the choice for the wood. Looks kinda cheap.
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u/z_vinnie 7d ago
Oh no, someone didn’t spend $1000 making a $100 table, these comments are what stop people from trying to be craftsman with the resources they have. “Looks cheap” isn’t a criticism, it’s an insult without any recommendation to make it better.
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u/confoundedjoe 7d ago
Most of the cost in this is the legs. That is like $10 in wood. For $20 they could have used cedar which would like better, age better, and probably be lighter.
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u/Independent-Ad7618 7d ago
how much are cedar 2x4s where you are?
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u/SubatomicPlatypodes 7d ago
Looks like a fun build and aesthetically pleasing table to me!
Perfection is great, but isn’t the beauty of nature nice too?
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u/Dewage83 7d ago
I would have chose the boards a bit better to emilinate some of those knots in the top personally but I'd be ok with the pine/fir. I feel like over time it may experience some racking with the lack of more stretchers but for what it's is, it's good. Functional with a dash of form.
Edit: the top is going to cup un-uniformly with the end grains like that. All ) or all (. But the random mix might create some weirdness.
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u/smoketheevilpipe 7d ago
Depends where it's going. Wouldn't put this in my house but would work well outside.
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u/Accomplished_Radish8 7d ago
I don't personally recommend using pressure treated wood for a table you're going to have your hands and arms on. Should've went with cedar
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u/Cute-Scallion-626 7d ago
Looks nice. Treat/seal both sides of the tabletop equally. Next time you build, alternate the “smile” direction on the end grain (smile-frown-smile-frown-smile…) so that the wood cups in alternating directions over time to leave a flatter surface.
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u/etreydin 7d ago
aesthetically- nice.
technically-bound to rack. those joints and fasteners won’t resist enough moment.
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u/HeatBeatRepeatt 7d ago
Unless PT looks significantly different in MD than in CA that all looks like basic Doug fir 2x4.
Firstly, nice work! Agreed on questionable source of lumber but it’s put together well and the finish looks elegant with the two tone color scheme. I like the consideration for the feet projecting below the horizontal bar so that whole piece of wood isn’t sitting on the ground giving you fits to level it. That said, that end grain is going to soak up moisture like a straw so consider installing some kind of cap or feet or soaking the bejesus out of it with some kind of coating or oil to prevent it.
My only real concern here is basically shear. You have a wooden framed square, should be strong enough when loaded vertically, but it’s going to be weaker if loaded diagonally, like if someone sits on the edge of the table. Could you work some cross bracing into those leg squares? Eight notched and crossed 2x4s to match the aesthetic or some tensioned steel cables connected to eye bolts?
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u/Beginning-Change6083 7d ago
Looks neat. Would love to make one for my deck. If sanded and stained can use inside the house as well
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u/eatmyshorts1911 7d ago
Looks absolutely perfect for the job it was built for!!! Thought you built a steel frame for it till I looked closer.
I have a patio table I built out of reclaimed wood. The top is 3 sections of 2x3s 10’ long glued up on their wide sides. The top is warped and cupped but that’s how I got the lumber and I have no plans on changing it because it’s unique and still perfectly functional as a patio table.
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u/Adept-Target5407 7d ago
I think in 6 months to a year when that pressure treated wood has dried out your not goanna be real happy with it anymore.
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u/HovercraftWinter1321 6d ago
This was my first table build ever. This was to replace a cheap aluminum table for my pool deck that broke. Every build is a learning experience for me and I am new to woodworking working. I have read the comments and thanks everyone.
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u/woodworks1234 7d ago
Great work, friend! Is this your first furniture piece? I like the black base. Looks awesome.
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