this post was submitted on 03 Nov 2023
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Woodworking

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Got a new sofa and our old coffee table was too large to fit the space. Wife asked for a new one and I took it as an excuse to try out cutting circles with a router.

I couldn’t find poplar thick enough for a sturdy-looking table, so took a pine panel and glued it underneath my poplar panel before routing out the final shape with a router (straight bit).

Finished the top with a few coats of shellac and then polished with wax and steel wool for a smooth finish.

There’s plenty with this build that I’m not proud of, but I was surprised at how easy it was to route out the circular blank. If I did it over again, I’d have used oil-based stain so the final color isn’t so harsh across the various poplar boards. I also would’ve liked to route out some kind of design in the tabletop, but I’m still only just learning how to use the router.

Link to gallery: https://postimg.cc/gallery/hSzKjGF

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[–] mulcahey 5 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Looks great but HOLY SHIT THERE'S A SCORPION ON YOUR TABLE WATCH OUT DUDE

[–] scutiger 5 points 8 months ago

I heard when they have big claws and a small stinger, their sting is less severe. You should be scared if it had small claws and a large stinger.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 8 months ago (1 children)

It looks great! I don't think the stain looks harsh at all. I think it really showcases the texture of the wood. I'd buy this coffee table.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago

Dang, your comment literally made my morning — thanks for the kind words!

[–] [email protected] 4 points 8 months ago

That's not popular at all! There's not even anyone there!

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Looks good. Poplars green tint is a pita to deal with. Usually it’s painted. Nice to see a clean stain and grain.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

Thanks for the kind words! You can actually see a bit of the green poking through in the grain band to the left of the scorpion. At first I wanted to cover it up completely, but I grew to like it more and more as the spooky month was going on.

[–] eran_morad 3 points 8 months ago