Coffee Table Build

 

My brother picked up this old pool table frame a few years ago and decided it wasn't worth restoring.  I asked him to set it aside for me and I would make something out of it.  It looks to be American Chestnut as there are a few worm holes scattered throughout the pieces, but also could be White Oak.  I've always found it difficult to tell them apart.  As far back as I can remember I've hated purchasing wood for projects from specialty mills or big box stores, its just too expensive and if your not a big time cabinet maker they don't seem to treat you all that well.  Don't get me wrong, it would so nice to start a project with clear straight lumber but there is also joy in giving something a second chance.  I'm a scavenger from way back and kind of enjoy the struggle that comes along with working with recycled materials.  It's oddly satisfying.  I attribute a great deal of the satisfaction to knowing the materials were free or extremely cheap.  I decided to see if I can make a coffee table and end table out of this old frame.

I cut what were the two sides of the pool table down, jointed and ran they through the planer.  The final thickness is roughly 1.25".  They clean up nicely and will become the top to the coffee table.

Reclaimed Chestnut Table Top

My dad had an old Brunswick cast iron table base that had been sitting in our shop collecting dust for years.  I decided that it deserved a little better.  I contacted a guy who salvages wood for a living and came across some wormy chestnut that had come from a dismantled barn.  The wood was a perfect match for the table base and turned out great.

Brunswick Anniversary Install

Finally installed the Anniversary that I had been restoring for a while.  Ended up in its new home on Long Island NY.  Couldn't have been happier with the table and the new owners.   Thanks guys!

Firewood Rack

Needed a place to store some firewood so I came up with this.  Welded some square tube together and bolted some thick rough cut oak to it.  Worked out pretty well.

Scrap Steel Desk Lamp

I had some scrap round bar left over from the cue rack and decided to use the compact bender and see what I could come up with.  Its made from two pieces welded where the legs meet the vertical, bent a small piece of steel into a loop and welded it to the end for the cord to go through.  Wired up an Edison bulb to some cloth cord.  Next time I will move the legs down a little, it seems a little top heavy.

Wet Sanding

If you want a professional finish its imperative that you wet sand the orange peel out of the sanding sealer.  Makes the finish like a mirror.  Top tip.

Brunswick Centennial Install

Installed the Centennial this weekend in Delaware.  The most sought after table on the planet right now and its no wonder.  Designed by Donald Deskey for Brunswick.  Same guy who designed the interior of Radio City Music Hall. Killer.

Walnut MacBook Stand

Had some scrap walnut and decided to make a stand for the laptop.  Pretty simple but I like the blend of materials.

New Pony in the Stable

 Picked up a 69' CL350

Put some Firestones on it and am fitting an older tank.  Looks killer.

New Addition

This is the newest addition to the family.  His name is Mo.  He's a pretty rad little dude.

For Sale

 Well I finally broke down and listed my GSXR for sale.  This was the very first bike that I owned and I just don't ride it anymore.  Off to a new home it goes.