subtle

Today I continue working on two tables, each with curly maple tops. Because the tops are 2 in. thick, I routed the undersides with a very large 45° chamfering bit to make them appear lighter, and I used a wide, flat, tapered shim double stick taped to the surface, supporting the router to cut deeper and hence thinner along the front edge at the center of the board. 

This is intended to add interest, stopping the top from being just a thick, massive, square ended chunk of lovely wood. 

Perhaps you can see in the photo by observing the front edge, how the routing provides a sense of greater thickness at the ends, making it appear less heavy at the center. This is experimental. You can tell me now whether you think it works, or wait until the table is finished and assess then.

Exacting rectangles and straight lines don't occur in nature, which relies more on waves and bubbles to produce form. The ends of the table top have also been gently shaped so as to be less rectangular, more fluid and sculptural. In addition, I cut in along the front, making the table top slightly more narrow at the center. My shaping of the rectangular table top is intended to make it more fluid and natural.

Today I will begin sanding the legs and other various parts prior to assembly.

Make, fix and create... assist others in learning likewise.