I'm working on making a flat tabletop using two oak slices that I got from a felled tree. They've been aged for about two years already and have a thickness of 3 inches. The rough edges are a bit wavy where people will be seated, and I need advice on how to achieve straight inner edges. Is there a circular saw that can cut both boards together considering their weight, or should I be looking into something like a track saw? I'm based in the UK, and moving these heavy slabs is a real challenge. Also, once I've got the edges straight, should I be using dowels and glue to join them? Any tips would be hugely appreciated!
3 Answers
If the inner edges are rough, grab a handplane and square them up right where they are. It’s much easier than moving those slabs around! And if you're confident in using a plane, go for it—a little skill can really pay off here. You’ll want a good straight edge too, ideally longer, and some winding sticks to keep track of the high points. If you haven't cut them yet, consider starting with a hand saw; it’ll take some dedication but is doable!
Absolutely! Hand tools can be super effective; it's about building those skills.
Hey! For heavy slabs like yours, the thickness can be a bit tricky. First off, if you're keeping them at 3 inches, I’d recommend flattening them down first. You can align the boards together and temporarily join them from the underside. If there are any gaps greater than the blade thickness, a track saw is your best bet to cut them together effectively. Once straightened, glue will be the main strength. Just be sure to let the wood expand and contract by using slotted holes when mounting supports underneath. Also, check out Blacktail Studios on YouTube; he has tons of great advice for big projects like yours!
So, for long, straight cuts, a tracksaw is the way to go! Most saws won’t cut 3 inches deep in one go, but you can make it work with a bit of technique. Try marking your cut line, then take it in stages—cut down to the max depth it can handle, and then flip the board to trim a bit more off. Instead of dowels for alignment, consider using biscuits or a grooving cutter to create a little groove along the edges. It’ll make lining everything up much easier!
These are some solid tips! It’s great to know that flipping the board method can work. I always struggle with those deep cuts.
Yeah, avoiding dowels sounds smart. They can be tough to get perfectly aligned without a precise setup!
Great suggestion! I've been meaning to learn how to use a handplane.