Compass Tables

Some time ago I learned how to do custom inlay work using a handheld CNC system called the Shaper Origin. It is a versatile handheld router with a sort of GPS system built into the machine. I glued up a couple of panels of pine lumber and used them as my grounding boards. I cut the mortises for the inlay pieces and then machined the pieces themselves also using the Shaper. When I was done, I kept the panels because I thought; “maybe I’ll make a couple of tables from them someday.” Someday has finally arrived.

With the reality of converting the test panels into tabletops present, I had to figure out a few things. How would I deal with the edges of the tabletops, what sort of base would I put on the tables and what could I do to make the pine panels a bit more durable to withstand the rigors of being a tabletop?

Gluing the purpose made cherry molding in place on the pine lumber tabletops.

I liked the idea of using a substantial hardwood edging (I chose cherry to match one of the species of the inlaid pieces) mitered around the tabletops. I could add the appearance of a thicker top while protecting the edges of the pine panels from dings and dents. Properly secured across the width of the panels, the cherry lumber would also help keep the wide flatsawn pine from cupping. I machined the edging with a significant rabbet as you can see in the photo below. It is more properly called a molding.

Attaching the molding onto the long edges of the panels was easy. I simply glued them in place. On the ends, I put a small amount of glue in the center of the molding and then used screws to secure the pieces. The screws had oversized holes in the cherry to accommodate wood movement. I routed a large chamfer on the molding after it was glued in place.

There is a large rabbet machined into the cherry molding. Note the large screw hole in the molding. This is to accommodate wood movement as this segment of the molding is attached to the end grain of the panel

I applied pore filler, Glue Boost Fill N’ Finish for the seams around the cherry and walnut inlay pieces, and a more traditional pore filler from AquaCoat on the entirety of the panels. With the panels sanded perfectly smooth and flat, I applied three brushed-on coats of SealCoat shellac, power sanding with an RO sander and 320-grit paper between coats. I’ll apply at least two more coats of the shellac sanding sealer, topping that off either lacquer or polyurethane final topcoats. Still thinking about that.

For the base I decided to turn tapered cherry legs mounting them at 14-degrees to provide an elegant look. I drew out the plan to identify the details, prepared my cherry lumber and then pulled out my lathe. Looking at my lathe was followed by a strong face plant … it was not long enough to turn the legs. Sometimes you can go from feeling pretty groovy to pretty dumb in the blink of an eye. (Ready, Shoot, Aim!)

So, I can almost hear you thinking: “what did you do?” The answer is nothing so far. I have a couple of ideas spinning around in my head but have not decided. I will need to make a couple of sample legs before I do decide. While disappointed and a bit embarrassed, I think this will turn out well. Sometimes when you can’t get what you want, you have to settle for something better!