building an heirloom

Rarely do I write a post about something not concerning my immediateness,
however here's a project I was lucky to watch progress.

Folsom Table

There is a way I can make this selfish though so here goes.
This was a really intricate and drawn out project,
and if you've been a long time reader,
you'll know I've got a thing for detailed step by step pictures.

mocked up

Maybe Steve wants to keep his work hush hush,
but the 40 or so readers will now know his secrets.

festool domino

One of them is Festool.
This is the Snap-on of woodworkers.
I've seen the various tools and their boxes lying around,
but never knew the deep addiction they inflicted.
It's bled from Folsom Woodworks to Ryan Industries,
but will stop at the doormat of Perich Brothers & Sisters...

german joint

The problem with this Festool stuff is they require perfect gaps and measurements.

As a metalworker I find there is a grey area with gaps.

There are times they need to be right on,

and many times when they can be a little slack.

working a Festool Domino Joiner

Not so with wood,
or at least with unpainted or stained wood.
Very nerve-racking when there is specific grains,
or a limited inventory of aged wood.

clamped

The new owner basically got everything past this point for free.
Like most contracted craftsmen,
there is that point where the ratio of money per hour dwindles.
There is that pride of perfection or at least noticeable mistakes.

stained

Unlike an IKEA or PIER ONE table,
notice the convenient space underneath.
This one was built to withstand a mid-level earthquake,
for a family of at least 2 adults and 2 children.

beef

Here's more of that hidden intricacy.
There are multiple biscuits for alignment and strength.

biscuit

At this point the table should have been finished.
The lucky owner chosen stain colors and builder critical smoothness.

stripes

Nope.
An angle iron frame surrounded the tabletop,
and also a hidden beer cooler!
(see top pic)

framed

I just noticed that there have been no hammers in any of these pics.

Custom S. Folsom Table

Here's the funny part.
After all this awesomeness,
here's the builder's glam shot!
Guess he was too concerned with gaps.
I knew I should have dropped by more...

TP