Wanting to build a dining room table.

[257wbymagkiller]

Hey guys so I’m looking for the experts here. I have got a few nice big hunks of red wood here and the wood is beautiful with a solid red core and white outside and the wife has been wanting to get a new table for the kitchen. So I figured perfect idea to use that and build one. So I wasn’t sure if anyone is local and would be willing to lend me a hand and has a chainsaw mill to cut a few good slabs out of this and give me so pointers and wisdom. I have the saw to do it. Let me know if anyone would be up for this I can supply the food and drinks and have some fun making chips. Thanks guys and gals.

[Jpmiller]

I've not worked redwood but my understanding is it's not a real hard wood. Looks like it's got a fairly low Janka hardness number (480 on old growth) which might make it problematic on a high wear item like a kitchen table. Not a deal breaker but depending on how you wanted to look as a finished product it may not give what you want. If you're ok with a more worn well used appearance then no issue at all.

Do you have the tools to tackle the project and the understanding of joinery? I've seen some projects use up good wood and come out real poorly because of bad joinery.

I'm firmly of the belief if you can tackle it that there's little better than producing your own furniture. You get the design you want with the materials you want and the pride of doing it yourself. As long as you know what you're getting into I'd say do it. Unfortunately no milk to offer you though. Sorry, keep us posted on your progress.

[257wbymagkiller]

I have all your usual wood working tools and a healthy saw but just missing the mill part. And I do know it is kids soft but thought with some good sealant and a resin over the top I thought it would be ok and I’m willing to tackle just about anything and the table would mean a lot to the family as the tree was the only thing I have from a mentor of mine that taught me everything I know about trees and has translated into a passion of mine. So I really want to follow through with it and honor him.

[jk78]

I have made a few things with old growth redwood sands well and finishes great. I am not an expert and this was hobby based. The color of the wood works well for skull backers and small end tables using a two part pour gave the most durable finish for me but can get a yellowish haze over time. The wood I use also has meaning to me memories of the past and  great way to honor and remember them. Look forward to your finish project!

[highside74]

There is a gentleman on Eatonville Cuttoff Rd that has a mill. He cuts for $70 an hour. Take your wood to him. I don't think it would take more than an hour.

[257wbymagkiller]

I’ve had a ton of cedar milled by him years ago and he is really good but lost his contact information and honesty forgot he’s up there. Good idea there