I'm a woodworking enthusiast without formal training, and while I can manage simple projects like cutting boards and picture frames, I've never tackled furniture before. I'm keen to create a beautiful 45-inch round walnut table top to pair with my cast iron pedestal base. I'm ready to invest my time and understand that quality wood won't be inexpensive. My main concern is whether the skills and tools I have will allow me to achieve a polished result, or if I'll end up with a table that looks amateurish. Here's what I have:
- A Dewalt contractor table saw (not perfectly calibrated)
- A Dewalt planer with straight blades
- An old Ridgid 6-inch jointer that I can't get perfectly calibrated
- A Bosch handheld router
- A jigsaw and miter saw
- 4 x 48 inch Harbor Freight clamps and smaller clamps
- A random orbital sander
I don't have:
- Hand planers or knowledge of how to use them
- A biscuit or domino joiner
- A dowel jig, but I'm open to buying one if necessary.
Considering all this, do you think my project will be successful, or will I just waste $600 on wood?
3 Answers
You can definitely do this! Just take your time and work carefully, and it should turn out great.
If you have time to save for a doweling jig, I'd recommend it. It really helps align your boards when gluing them up, but watch out not to place dowels where they might show in the circle you cut later on. After gluing your panels, use your jigsaw to get as close to the line as possible, then refine with your router and circle jig for a polished finish. Take your time arranging the wood for the best grain match too! Good luck!
With the tools you've got, you can definitely pull this off! You don't actually need a domino or biscuit joiner for edge gluing; they're helpful but not essential. For gluing up your top, you could go with six boards around 7.5" wide, and you can do it in stages to keep everything aligned. Also, make a radius jig for your router to shape that round top. Just attach a board to the center of the base and the router, and take it slow with shallow cuts. You'll be good to go!
Exactly! The radius jig is key for a clean edge. Just remember to take multiple shallow passes to avoid burning the wood; keeping a good chip load is important too. Using an upcut spiral bit will help pull the chips out while you cut!
Don’t stress, just take your time and make sure your edges are nice and square before gluing. It’ll make a huge difference!
Great advice! It's all about the prep work. Make sure to take your time aligning everything for the best look!