I’m in the process of building a new coffee table for the wife. It will be made of cherry, Queen Anne legs with ball and claw. She has “suggested” that I do something exotic for the top. I have a veneer press and I’m thinking of making the top with a border of cherry around a veneered inset panel, but can’t decide what combination of veneer and cherry. I’m thinking about Carpathian Elm for the top. Has anyone used this combination, or would you suggest another type of veneer? Thanks for your input.
Don Z.
If I was doing any better, I couldn’t hardly stand it!
Replies
Don,
I haven't used carpathian elm before and I am sure it will look great with the cherry. One of my favorite combinations with cherry is maple. A heavy maple burl will add contrast to the surrounding cherry, but maybe it detracts from the overall appearance of the piece specially if you are using Queen Anne legs, (it is a more traditional look - I think of it as a "darker" piece). Myrtle burl may be another choice but you have to be very selective of the pieces as it has a wide range of color variations and figure. If you want the subtle look, use a highly figured curly cherry veneer. In any case, what I have found is that if the center piece is separated from the field by a border of some kind, the "formality" of the piece increases. It could be as simple as a thin strip of ebony, 3/32"t, at the perimeter of the burl or as complicated as some of the commercial inlays available. Book matching of the veneer also helps on the overall appearance if the piece of veneer does not stretch the full length of the center piece.
Seems an interesting project, why don't you post it in the gallery when you are done.
Marcello
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