When I Learned that in order to graduate with my Bachelor’s degree I would have to take and complete an Edge project I didn’t know what to do at first. But as I started to learn about what things would be allowed as an EDGE project it got me exited that I was going to be able to do something that I would actually enjoy doing. Because I had already had plans to build the table so once I learned that I could do that for my project it got me exited that I would have something to motivate and push me to finally do it.
At first my goals for the project were: 1- have fun tackling a project like this, 2- improve my finish carpentry skills and expertise, and 3- create something beautiful. But my goals weren’t only short term, I also wanted to be able to build something that could become a part of my family for a long time. I spent a lot of time up in the tree that the wood for my table came from. And I wanted to be able to have something that I could show my boys when they get older and let them have a little bit of insight into my youth. So with this in mind my initial planned outcome was to create a quality Elm Log Coffee Table that could represent that old tree and just how big it was, and to be happy with the outcome. And now that I am done, I can say that I am definitely satisfied with how the table turned out, and it motivates me to want to do more in the future.
The first big step that I took to complete this project, and the most important was creating a schedule for myself. Because I had a schedule and deadlines it helped to motivate me do get it done and not procrastinate it until another summer. Once I had the schedule in place it was time to execute it by first building a work table, and jigs to help me work on such a large piece of wood. Once that was all in place I was finally able to start working on the log by routering it down to a uniformed desired thickness. This step was intimidating to me at first, because of the amount of material that I needed to take off of the piece. But after I got going and discovered more trust in myself and in the equipment I was using it became enjoyable. And by the time I was done I was able to fill two five gallon buckets with the saw dust. The sanding portion came next, first with a belt sander, then with a palm sander to get a fine finish. It wasn’t until I got to the sanding portion that I realized just how hard of a wood this elm was. In order to get anywhere on it I had to start with a 40 grit, which is crazy. But after several hours of sanding I finally got it sanded to a fine 120 grit finish. After the sanding was complete it was time to add the dovetails into the piece. This accomplished to things, first it added to the look and the character of the piece. And more importantly it gave strength to the table where there were large cracks in the wood that were created through the drying process. Once the dove tails were all in it was time to let the table top rest while I moved onto the legs. Finishing the legs was relatively simple, all that was needed was to cut them to the appropriate height, sand them, then apply a three coat lacquer. So in no time the legs were finished and ready to be attached to the table top, but before that could happen I needed to coat it in lacquer.
During this step is where I gained a lot of new skills. Up until this point in my life I had only had brief exposure to lacquer, and on much smaller scales. My go to place for learning was YouTube, and it proved to be very helpful. I was able to learn about all the different types of lacquer and what type would be best for my project. I also was able to learn how to apply it along with several handy tricks to make it look professional. So finally after the table top was completely finished all that was left to do was connect it to the legs. How I finally decided on doing this was by carefully cutting an inch and a half deep hole into the bottom of the table that the legs could snugly fit into, and then gluing them in place to complete my Elm Log Coffee Table.
As stated earlier I am grateful to the EDGE program for helping motivate me to complete this project. Not only has it motivated me to stop procrastinating by helping me set goals, but it has helped me reflect on it over and over again, improving my appreciation for what I was able to accomplish.