I cannot overemphasize the need for strictly following all table saw safety rules when working in the shop. Most of the projects on this site require cutting parts on a table saw. Developing safe table saw operating habits will ensure that you can finish and enjoy your projects free from injury.
Of paramount importance when working with any power tool is to wear eye and hearing protection. Also, be sure to read all of the manuals and safety instructions that come with your tools.
Beyond that, this short video on table saw use and safety is a great primer for novice woodworkers. It's also an excellent reminder for seasoned woodworkers who may need to brush up on their shop safety awareness.
Return from Table Saw Safety to Woodworking Videos
I cannot overemphasize the need for strictly following all table saw safety rules when working in the shop. Most of the projects on this site require cutting parts on a table saw. Developing safe table saw operating habits will ensure that you can finish and enjoy your projects free from injury.
Of paramount importance when working with any power tool is to wear eye and hearing protection. Also, be sure to read all of the manuals and safety instructions that come with your tools.
Beyond that, this short video on table saw use and safety is a great primer for novice woodworkers. It's also an excellent reminder for seasoned woodworkers who may need to brush up on their shop safety awareness.
Return from Table Saw Safety to Woodworking Videos
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The marquetry adorning the top of this 18th century table is beautiful, but after over 200 years, it's colors have faded significantly.
J. Paul Getty Museum
With the turn of a key, the top and writing surface extend in opposing directions.
J. Paul Getty Museum
A dizzying array of mechanics make this table an engineering marvel.
J. Paul Getty Museum
The drawer beneath the silk-covered writing surface features no pull. Instead, the user must depress a hidden lever beneath it.
J. Paul Getty Museum
Need more storage? A full length drawer opens out from the right side. Of course, it features a beautiful mortised lock set.
J. Paul Getty Museum
The marquetry adorning the top of this 18th century table is beautiful, but after over 200 years, it's colors have faded significantly.
Photo: J. Paul Getty Museum Add Comment Print
Nowadays, any enterprising woodworker with a bit of engineering know-how can easily purchase any number of manufactured gears, cams, and ratcheting mechanisms for use in extraordinary pieces of furniture. But back in the 18th century, when this exquisite table was built by a French craftsman, there certainly weren't any Woodcraft, Rockler, or McMaster retail stores from which to purchase these sorts of mechanical items, and that's what makes this little table such a marvel of engineering.
Jean-Francois Aubin had privacy in mind when he built this small table for a female French aristocrat. It's chock-full of incredible mechanics that'll make your head spin.
With the turn of a key, the top and writing surface extend in opposing directions, revealing a silk-covered writing surface as well as two hidden wells for the storage of writing paper and other supplies. A small drawer centered beneath the writing surface has no pull with which to open it. Instead, the user depresses a small lever hidden beneath. For even more storage, Aubin incorporated a full length side drawer with a mortised lock set.
Marquetry Worn by Time Interestingly, the colors of the marquetry on this particular table are rather muted--a result of the ravages of time. In much the same way that we're not accustomed to seeing the original colors adorning the old ruins of Rome, the artist's rendering of what this table's beautifully-adorned top would have looked like some 250 yeears ago is simply stunning.
More on marquetry: be sure to catch our audio slideshow on the construction of a reproduction masterpiece.
Secrets Unfold The J. Paul Getty Museum's animation of the inner secrets of this little table is stunning as well, and well worth watching. It's sure to inspire just about anyone who has ever built anything at all!
posted in: blogs, period furniture, french furniture, mechanics Add Comment Print Back to List Comments (12) Ronaldo9 writes: I would expect FWW to do a bit more research, the correct spelling is Jean-François Oeben. He was one of the greatest ébénistes of the XVIII and was also the master of Jean-Henri Riesener (many consider the latest to be the greatest). Their work sure deserve a whole article each. There is one book on Oeben's life: http://www.amazon.com/Jean-Fran%C3%A7ois-Oeben-Rosemarie-Stratmann-Dohler/dp/2859173544/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1
Posted: 4:12 am on June 26th philtomlinson writes: FWW should really get out to see Robert Yarger of the Stickman Box Company.
He is a puzzle-box maker extraordinaire.
You can see some samples of his work, including his amazing Pirate's Cipher Puzzlechest by going here:
http://www.lhup.edu/jstrayer/charles.htm
Seriously, there's a cover story here. Posted: 5:32 pm on June 25th dixiehighway writes: @geoffm The Amish make a round table that remains round when extended.It is amazing. The pie-shaped pieces unfold, and the table slides out to accept them. Posted: 12:26 pm on June 25th dansanc writes: I take my hat off for Jean-Francois Aubin. What a wonderful piece!!! Are plans available? Posted: 11:38 am on June 25th Norman49 writes: Superbe table. Maitre Aubin certainly was a master artisan. I'd love to get a set of plans replicating this table or similar 18c pieces.
Posted: 10:32 am on June 25th Praath writes: I forgot something; Here is the link to the extending round table that I found on the internet about a year ago. Is this the table that was to be seen at Harrods? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWJdal0SYoc Theo
Posted: 6:49 am on June 25th Praath writes: Is this the extending round table you saw at harrods? I think it's a marvel Posted: 6:46 am on June 25th PaulC123 writes: I must be being a bit thick (not unusual) where is the link to the animation?
Thanks Posted: 5:32 am on June 25th geoffm writes: ... and speaking of stunning craftsmanship, I am reminded of the Jupe Table, which I saw in Harrods, London. This is a round extending table, which remains round when extended ! Maybe FWW can find some info on this marvellous piece ?
Posted: 3:49 am on June 25th DarrenOates writes: Wow, what an amazing piece. Cant imagine how much this piece must have cost in its day. Agree, amazing craftsmanship. Posted: 3:17 am on June 25th Muscleguy writes: That looks like a clockwork motor doing the work of moving the top and writing surface, activated by the key. You can see the ratchet winding set on the front. Nice and a good use of then available tech. Probably more robust than our modern tendency to use electric motors as well. Posted: 3:12 am on June 25th Rustysea writes: Stunning design stunning craftsmanship - pretty stunning video too - and all done with hand tools. Posted: 2:40 am on June 25th You must be logged in to post comments. Click here to login. Subscribe to RSS Feed
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YOUR COMMENTS
"I would expect FWW to do a bit more research, the correct spelling is Jean-François Oeben. He was..."
Ronaldo9 Stupefying Engineering in an 18th Century Table
"FWW should really get out to see Robert Yarger of the Stickman Box Company. He is a puzzlebox..."
philtomlinson Stupefying Engineering in an 18th Century Table
"Now that I have moved into my geezer years, I really appreciate "a bit too esoteric". Some how I..."
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Finish Used: Standard Stain with General Finish Dye stain, 3 coats of General Finish Wipe On Stain. I also used Shellac on the top.
Project Description: This was my second project and I needed a good Router table. I wanted to see the effects of different finishes on different woods and what happens if I don’t do the light sanding after the water base stain. I also wanted to practice dovetail, rabbet joinery, inlay (t-tracks for the miter and fence). I also ordered and installed the Jessem Router Lift, which I bought after watching Marc’s router lift segment. Marc was right on with his analysis in my opinion.
As you can see from the full front photo, I fully integrated the dust collection using hose connected to the fence and a pickup from the router cavity. I placed plexi-glass on the door to the cavity and placed a light in there as well that turns on when the router is on. The very bottom door area is for storage. The left side drawers are sideless as I drilled holes to hold the bits. The Top right side drawer is a false front to hold the switch and the 3 lower drawers are half blind dovetails using the MLCS jig.
I learned a lot about finishing, dovetailing, drawer guide mounting and many other techniques as well. Now I have a top-of-the-line table and lessons learned. So as my friends say, this is the most furniture like router table east of the Mississippi.
"Modern Susan" dining table on display at the Abernathy Arts Center in Sandy Springs, GA
Photo: Ken Schneiderman
A few weeks ago a friend of mine from Atlanta forwarded a photo of an interesting table he saw at an art show. I thought it was very cool and it reminded me of something that would come out of our "Furniture Lab" project we have going here at Fine Woodworking. It's made out of Baltic Birch plywood, glass, casted aluminum and neoprene. I contacted the builder, Seth Keaveny, and here is what he had to say about his inspiration for the piece:
"In this particular case I wanted to use a "found" or as you stated "non-
traditional" item(s) in the design while adding an element of mystery. The
goal was to design a dining table that the end user could interact with.
In the end, watching both adults and children alike spin the glass around
and around with gigantic smiles on their face validated that my goal was
indeed achieved.
A lot of people were amazed that a central Z axis point was
not included in the design. Through a little experimentation and a little
love from the world of physics, I was able to fabricate a functional dining table
without comprimising the integrity of the initial concept and design.
I am very proud of this piece and plan on designing a complete ensemble.
This includes a coffee table and end tables/night stands."