Replies

1. 
   Eef | Sep 18, 2008 07:24pm | #1

   hey sap,

   you might find what you're after if you look into the work of george nakashima.

   eef

1. 
   sapling | Sep 18, 2008 08:35pm | #2

   but do you think there are any books with blue-prints and such?

1. 
   Eef | Sep 19, 2008 01:14am | #3

   sap,

   sure dont want to piss off any nakashima devotees, but there's not a whole to of detail to two pieces of wood joined at right angles. at one time i did not care much for nakashima's style.  here in los angeles we have a japanese heritage museum which, a few years ago, displayed some 50 or 60 of george's works. most of his stuff is of simple design. i came away from this show humbled and respectful.  he wrote a book back in the 70's entitled "the soul of a tree". you may want to look into that.

   eef

1. 
   sapling | Sep 19, 2008 03:55am | #4

   Thanks for the recommendation. I will look into that book.One of the things I enjoy about that brooklynmodern blog site is that it shows a lot of modern stuff made with wood. It would be great if it had some books on how to make modern/scandanavian furniture. Will look for a book with those plans as well.
   best,
   sap

2. 
   WillGeorge | Sep 19, 2008 04:56am | #5

   I probably should not comment because I never use plans for any project. I do however, get most of my ideas from others work.

   I have only made three large tables from free formed slabs. I tried one with bark but I finally gave up and profiled the edges.

   When I made my first 'slab table' I really messed up. Not with the construction but with finding matching wood for the legs/base. I could not find anything appropriate so I used contrasting wood. The table turned out well BUT not what I wanted.

   If I had thought of it then, I could have had the cracked slab from the same slice of the tree for a much better price and it would have matched perfectly.

   I guess I was so excited getting the slab I forgot about the 'other parts'.

   I an NOT a designer.. I just work from what I see. Be that good or bad.. Works for me.

   I do not think you will find plans as such for freeform designs. In my opinion, making a project from 'slabs' is something you 'just do' AFTER many hours of looking at the wood and it's color, grain and flaws!.. Then sketches if you need them. All the rest is careful joint craftsmanship and finishing.

   The design/plans come from you inner feelings.. Some will hate it.. Some will Love it!

   You may want to look a David Marks links and others on the type of joints they use.

   http://www.djmarks.com/woodworks.asp

   Your posted link appears that the only 'plan' would could use is the pattern and angles of the hand cut dovetails. You could get that from the picture if you download and scale it.

   GOOD luck and have fun with that VERY expensive first try. I'm sure you can do it IF plan ahead AND take your time. Not something to be rushed.

   As a side note: Slabs can be very difficult to work with if you do not have a lot of room and somebody to help 'tossing and turning' it as required for the project.

   My shop is very small. My first slab table was made in the living room. 15 x 30 feet long room.  Painters canvass on the rug. Actually, it was winter and I just did all the hand cut joints of the 'sized' top and platform pieces. (My wife was very easy going and put up with all kinds of my nonsense.)

    

   
   

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   Edited 9/18/2008 9:59 pm by WillGeorge

1. 
   sapling | Sep 19, 2008 07:34am | #6

   Thanks for your help. Great info.....