Woodworker: Phillip RechtThe client who commissioned this cherry table wanted a design that would be “more formal than a table and less formal than a desk.” Toward that end, Recht borrowed design inspiration from the work of Kevin Rodel. The table gets its formality from the tapered legs, thicker proportions, wide overhangs, and dark color. To offset that formality, Recht used a long, curved center stretcher. In addition, the breadboard ends of the top are chamfered to lighten the edges and reflect light. Recht finished the piece with Bartley’s Jet Mahogany gel stain and gel varnish. Photo: John Jagodzinski.