stuff i want to make

With the final coat of oil applied this morning just about dry, it’s time to construct the table ready for Christmas lunch tomorrow.

Oddly I have not really documented putting the table together.  There was not too much to it anyway – 2 nuts and bolts and a couple of washers on each leg.  I’ll upload some nice pics afterwards but here is the obligatory before & after pictures: 

Table as I bought it

 

I spent ages trying to work out the best thing to treat the table with so that it is waterproof etc.  I wanted a natural looking finish and so although varnish is hard-wearing even a clear varnish would be just too shiny. In the end I decided to go for Danish furniture oil.

Danish furniture oil is a penetrating and durable synthetic oil.  It provides a water and alcohol resistant finish and although makes the wood a little darker and brings out the grain, it provides a natural finish.  It is really easy to apply and dries fairly quickly too.  It stinks though so if you can apply outside that would be better.  I went for a small can of Ruskins Danish Oil which was enough for 3 coats.

The other things you will need are:

• A hoover (to hoover the dust)
• Tack cloths (to remove the fine dust)
• A brush or soft cloth (to apply the oil)
• Wire wool (to apply the last coat of oil)

I need to do 3 coats and need to leave 6-8 hours between coats.  It’s going to be tight but should just about make it in time for Christmas. The final step is to put it all together.

Before sanding the table top I researched electric sanders and found the Black & Decker Mouse Sander on offer for £20 at Homebase.  I also bought some extra sand paper for it. 

Table top after sanding

The next step is to treat the table with Danish furniture oil.  16 days to finish before 12 people arrive to eat off it on Christmas Day!

 

I thought I would start with the legs using a foam sanding block and course grain sandpaper to get an idea of how long it would take.  The video below shows how I got on..

Sanding the legs

 

It’s worked quite well and only took about 45 mins. That said I think it will be hard work to do large flat areas so will be doing some research into sanders I think.

The sanded legs

 Next to do is to sand the rest of the table …

 

So my first project ….. 12 people coming for Christmas lunch and our kitchen table is not big enough so I bought a used and slightly knackered oak extendable kitchen table from eBay for £51 and I plan to refinish/restore it.

I don’t want the finish to be too shiny or glossy but as it will be the family table and we have two children under 3 it needs to be a pretty robust finish.

The process as far as I can work out will be as follows:

• Sanding to remove the old varnish, marks & dents
• Staining (I though I need to figure out if this is really needed)
• Treat with penetrating resin (not quite as hard wearing as varnish but easier and more natural looking)

Here is a video of the table as it currently stands in my garage:

I’ll start the sanding soon …….