Spencer Troseth

Holden Utah

Construction Management Major

Creative Engagement tract

 

            The project that I did for the Edge class at SUU was to design and create an Elm Log Coffee Table. First I started with a Log from a tree that I had cut down three years prior, and had been drying for that time. Before I could start working on the log I had to build myself a work table. After the work table was completed I was able to build a jig around the log that I could modify as needed. With the jig I was able to set a router with a special bit on it to a specific height to get the log to a uniform thickness.

Once the log was a uniform thickness I took a belt sander to it to sand out the router lines left behind form the router. Then I used a palm sander to finish sanding the log using varying grits until it was ready for a finish. Before I could apply the finish I inserted some pine butterflies were the wood had split to strengthen it and for looks. Then I was able to apply the lacquer finish. After the lacquer had dried I was able to attach the legs that I also made.

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

         

           Really I started this project conceptually far before I ever started it. As I stated earlier from the time that I cut the log out of the tree it had to dry for three years before it was dry enough to start work on it. I originally got the idea from a shop teacher that I had that was doing kind of the same thing as this but just on a much smaller log. So when I heard that I had a opportunity to get some logs of this size I immediately new that I wanted to attempt to do one. It also helped that I had three years while it was drying to plan and talk to other carpenters about how to do something like this.

            Some challenges that I faced while doing this project were easier than others. The first one that I ran into was handling a log of this size. When I started out the log was at its thickest, nine inches thick, and weighed over one hundred pounds. So handling the log took at least two people. The next problem that I faced was how hard the wood was. First I burnt up several bits getting it to a uniform thickness. Next once it was time to sand it, it took an extremely course sandpaper, and took many hours.

 The next big obstacle that was faced wasn’t until I was applying the lacquer. This is Because the largest surface of this wood piece that I was working with is end grain. That is the most porous part of any wood piece, so it took several coats to finish it off. And while I was applying the lacquer I didn’t have an inside shop to apply it in which is a problem because the type of lacquer that I was using takes a minimum of twelve hours to cure at a controlled temperature. But in the end I was able to overcome all of these and make a beautiful piece.

This project didn’t just benefit me; it is benefiting my in-laws right now. because Once the coffee table that I built was done I gave it to them as a decretive piece in their home. Also my brothers were able to help a little and watch me as I went through the process. So now they want to do one and they have the knowledge thanks to that.

The first way that this project benefited me was I really enjoyed doing it. I absolutely love working with wood, especially when it is something that I have never tried before and it turns out good. Not to mention the gratification that you get when you put your mind to something and it all turns out better than planned. Also now that the table is at my in-laws house every time my boys go over to see their grandparents they will be able to see something that I built. And maybe one day they will want to build one themselves because they can see the one that I made, and I will be able to help them do that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Just got the Lacquer on, it has really made the wood look really rich.”

 

“Can’t believe how well these legs look with the table top, the white in the legs really ascent the butterfly’s, super happy about it.”