technique for “rippled surface” table to

wmalcolmg | Posted in David Heim on January 26, 2008 07:40am

Sirs: My daughter-in-law have asked me to make a dinning table of cherry. They want a rippled or hand planed top surface and minimal finish. I have seen this preparation in furniture made at the Schaleton shop in Vermount. I would like to know the steps in producing this effect. Do I first make the surface flat and then plane, what is the place of a scraper, is it sanded or not? What is the best sequence for finishing, seal, stain, wipe-on, sand or wool-rub between coats, Types of finish materials? Thank you for your attention, Malcolm Granberry

Replies

user-1119429039 | Jan 28, 2008 09:10pm | #1
Dear wmalcomg,

There are several techniques used to produce a surface that's not exactly flat. However, before I can steer you to the proper technique and an appropriate expert, I need a little more information.

First, I don't follow your reference to the Schaleton shop. Is that the correct spelling? Is there a web site you can refer me to?

Second, can you provide a few more details about the surface texture you're after? Do you want something that resemles primitive, or hand-hewn work? Do you want something that looks old and well-used, even if its age is measured in hours or weeks? Or is there a specific surface texture you wish to duplicate?

For starters, try searching the FineWoodworking site for articles that might answer your questions. One logical place to begin is:

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/SkillsAndTechniques/SkillsAndTechniquesDirectory.aspx?dir=Surface+Preparation

Good luck.

David Heim
Mananging Editor
FineWoodworking.com

wmalcolmg | Jan 29, 2008 05:51pm | #2
Concerning the surface preparation for a cherry dining table top, I'm not sure of the exact word for the effect. I have seen the surface in furniture made by the shackleton (Sp?) furnitue co in Bridgwater, Vt. I just tried to reach them and the phone has been disconnected-maybe they went out 0f business. I don't want a very primitive or very old appearance, just a slightly rippled effect. I think I should stain or darken the color slightly, and apply a rubbed oil-varnish finish. Thank you for your attention. Malcolm Granberry (I could not find any ref. to this in the web site or index)'rippl

user-1119429039 | Jan 29, 2008 06:10pm | #3
Dear wmalcolmg,

I checked the Shackleton furniture site (http://www.shackletonfurniture.com), but I saw only one reference to the way his furniture is finished: he says all his tables are hand-planed. Planing can either leave a smooth, even surface or one with subtle undulations. It depends on the shape of the plane blade, among other things. I'd suggest sending an e-mail to Shackleton to ask more about his finishing technique. As far as I know, Charles Shackleton is alive and well and very much in business.

Sorry I can't be more help.

David