Replies

1. 
   richk1 | Jul 22, 2005 03:22am | #1

   I'm no expert, but I would do it in veneer just to get a perfect grain match after bookmatching each quarter.

   I think that if you use solid lumber you will have trouble with the glue joints. You will essentially be creating four mitered joints if the top is square. If the top is to be oblong, the horizontal joints in your diagram would be end grain to end grain - no strength there.

   Rich Knab
   People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don't know when to quit.

1. 
   Dan | Jul 22, 2005 04:13am | #2

   Aloha,

   Defintely, a veneering job.  I don't know how large the top will be, but in order to get four pieces of lumber that would do a diamond match you'd have to cut the tree yourself, I think.  Veneering allows you to use MDF or Plywood for the core giving you a nice stable top, even if it's quite wide.  Don't forget to veneer both sides.

2. 
   ring | Jul 22, 2005 11:43am | #3

   BT,

   You could conceivably get away with solid construction, but only on certain conditions-

   Stable wood species, not too large dimensions.  And,

   You have boards that were cut from the same log, in their original order.

   The butt joints should have lots of bisquits.

   Like any solid top, it needs to be supported by the apron and leg assembly, but not limited in expansion and contraction.

   You could always make up your own veneer, around 1/8" thick, if you don't want to use commercial veneer.  If you can resaw and plane accurately, this might be a good way to go.

   DR

    

3. 
   VomSorb | Jul 22, 2005 08:51pm | #4

   Veneer it.

4. 
   mikegagne | Jul 23, 2005 11:42am | #5

   veneer cut from the stock would likely give a closer match in the piece as all the parts would be closer to the same cut. put a mirror edge on the piece and move it around to find the best match possibilities. I find this to be quite a bit of fun to make in that manner. Aloha, mike