Embassy Console Table

Embassy (for a G-7 Country) redecoration project’s interior designer commissioned two exact console table reproductions (Figure A).  Highlighting the wood’s character with a low sheen oil finish expanded the specification list. The client wanted either all solid Black Cherry or Black Walnut  construction.   C P Johnson Lumber sourced the premium grade Black Walnut (5/4 thick) chosen for the reproduction.

FIGURE A. Embassy’s Interior Designer provided this photograph with dimensions (W,H,L).

Figure A was imported into Microsoft PowerPoint. Proportional scaling from the width, length, height measurements accompanying the photograph determined the placement and sizing of legs, stretcher shelf and “wing tip” ends.

Making a full size construction grade Fir and Spruce model confirmed the visual proportionality of the photograph scaling and planned joinery detail.  Set up and fine tuning milling operations without placing a tool on the walnut confined any layout/joinery errors to the model instead of the expensive walnut. The model’s time and expense proved very cost effective.

Model allowed design sign off.

These templates and measurements were transferred to the prepared 1 inch thick walnut blanks. Templates ensured both table were exact duplicates.

Floor to top surface = 30 inches
Top 20″ W x 64″ L, with wings 65 inches total
Legs 16″ W inset 12 inches from end Shelf 16″ W x 38.5″ L, 7.5″ below top

A Tung Oil (2)fortified with polyurethane varnish (1), Penetrol(1) and odorless mineral spirits(2) solution soaked the final sanded surface for 30 minutes. Excess oil was  wiped dry and cured until the next day before hand sanding(400 grit) on the second coat. A rag moistened with mineral spirits and 1/4 teaspoon of Japan drier wiped the surface clean.  This surface cured for 5 days before the final modified tung oil application with a random orbital sander and Abralon 2000 pad.

Only the wood grain figures kept these tables from being exact carbon copies

Hand rubbed Tung Oil finish produced a low sheen finish that highlighted the Black Walnut color and grain

At the embassy, Interior designer staged each table with two chairs obtained from another vendor