Stain & Polyurethane: Finishing the Hill Country Manor

Putting some finishing touches on The Hill Country Manor Table Top. Have started on another one and two more to do before Thanksgiving. Have put a hold on taking any more orders until after Thanksgiving. Might have some time to do one or two over the Holidays, but we'll see how it goes. Have had to turn down several already, (and/or put them on a waitlist for now). Unfortunately, just cannot do it all. Kids, Family-time, Work, School, and this is just a hobby! Can't let myself become a slave to something I enjoy so much. Going to reinforce the "Quality over Quantity" principle going forward.

Was hoping to have a chance to build a new table for ourselves by now, but have just been too busy with clients' projects. Really appreciate everyone's patience so far. It doesn't go unnoticed, I always find a way to make it up somehow.

Thanks again.
-Ricky

Kristin's Hill Country Manor Table: Progress Photos: 75%

Putting some major sanding-time in on Kristin's Hill Country Manor Table tonight. 

Sanded until my arm was Jello. 

Gonna Hit it again tomorrow.

Hope to get the Finish Coats on this weekend!

Sorry, due to high volume of orders, no longer taking new orders at the time. I will be glad to take your information and work with you, but will not be able to start anything until after Thanksgiving.

Rough Outline of Kristin's "HillCountry Manor" Trestle Table

Cutting and carving the Mortise & Tenons into the trestle of the base just like the old Barn Beams from days gone by. Guess "they" (we) do still make 'em like they used to. :D   

More coming soon

ALMOST FITS!!

AFTER SANDING/CARVING/WHITTLING BY HAND

IT SLIDES RIGHT IN ON THE SECOND OR 5th TRY! :D

"LIKE A GLOVE."

This is the most level spot we could find to set it up outside. This table is so huge, it takes up

most of my work area. That's why I called it the "HILL COUNTRY MANOR" Table.

It looks like it's something out of an old, stone Texas Cattletrader Mansion from way back. 

Or perhaps a modern-rustic Comal Villa. 

Or just a Regular Family home. haha ;D

The stretcher "Beam" (aka: "Footrest") is not in yet. It will stick out the face of the trestles (ends)

with old school, barn-building, mortise & tenon joints and wooden pegs.

The bench is not done yet either. This is just the ROUGH outline of the structure. 

Haven't even started finishing out yet.

Our Personal Table

Since we recently sold our own personal table. (The first photo.) The second one below is what we've been using until I get chance to make a new one. So, rest assured, if  you're waiting for your table to be made, I am not going to start my own until yours is complete and delivered.   :o)

before

after

So, I am just as eager to get yours done, but I don't rush my "babies." That said; I do close in a timely manner. I always assume the risk on my end, because the 25% Deposit doesn't even cover the material and supplies.

My wife finally got me to set up a folding table. So, we're moving up! haha   It reminds me of the old standing joke about brick-layers that don't live in brick houses (the irony is that they usually cannot afford them.)  :o)

First Coat of Finish on Harvest Table: update

THE PATINA & STAIN IS SET.

LAYED THE BASE COAT OF SATIN WATERPROOF-HELMSMAN POLYURETHANE TONIGHT. 

This is a SATIN finish, but it is wet so it is shinier than it will be once cured.

If you're thinking of going with more sheen, this is somewhat what that Semi-Gloss looks like.

(Semi-Gloss is what the one on Craigslist was finished with, for those who have seen it.)

If you're uncertain what finish to go with, I can work up a sample block with different patinas, colors and finishes if you'd like.

BEFORE & AFTER FINISH

PREPOLY FINISH

Progress: reclaimed type harvest table

STARTED PUTTING THE STAIN ON IT TONIGHT.

Must admit, Steph & I are a wee-bit jealous; we sold ours and this one is turning out pretty good! :o)

Glad to see the future owner today and see the smile on her face. It makes me happy to hear that others are happy with how my work turns out. Very rewarding.