![]() This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. All in all, I’m very happy with the results. Normally, I would have made the base from wood but as I said initially, I wanted to show the Wood Whisperer Thread Taps in action and this seemed a cool way to do it. Or you can get around the design challenge by simply using a visually “light” metal base or legs. Let the top be the hero and design a base that supports it in the simplest and most complimentary way. Too many times I see an over-designed base that competes with the top. Our job as woodworks is to include a base that both compliments the slab and stays out of its way, visually speaking. The slab itself is the true showpiece and Mother Nature did nearly all of the work for us. When it comes to live edge slabs, less is more. ![]() For more information about these taps, check out. Just drill the appropriate sized hole to the depth you want it, and use the tape to cut the threads. Instead of using threaded inserts, I’m using Wood Whisperer Thread Taps to get the job done. The legs are attached to the table using 1/4″-20 x 1″ L bolts. Wipe off excess (leave very little on the surface) and let dry overnight. Coat the surface and wet sand using an abrasive 2000 grit pad. Step 6 – Thin the Wiping Poly even further with some mineral spirits.Step 5 – Apply Coat 3 by repeating steps 2 & 3.Step 4 – Apply Coat 2 by repeating steps 2 & 3.Step 3 – Once dry, sand surface with 500 grit wet/dry paper and vacuum the dust.Step 2 – Apply Coat 1 of wiping poly with sponge brush.Step 1 – Sand thoroughly to 220 grit and vacuum the dust.The video shows the details but here’s the quick recap. But if you use a wiping poly (which is pre-diluted for you) and you apply it with care, you can end up with a show-stopping finish that looks natural and provides a good deal of protection. Poly finishes generally have a bad reputation as they tend to make the wood look like plastic if applied too thick. Since this coffee table needs to withstand hurricane Ava and tropical storm Mateo, I decided to go with a polyurethane finish. Given the cost of this setup, I was really pleased with the results as it had no trouble cleaning up and smoothing the irregular surface of the live edge. I loaded it with Black Beauty Abrasive Media, connected the compressed air, and I was off to the races. I don’t have a serious sandblasting setup so I decided to dip my toes in by purchasing a fairly simple sandblasting gun. To clean up the live edges, I used a combination of carving gouges and sandblasting. I like to use West System Epoxy for filling: 105 Resin, 205 Hardener, and Pump Set as well as CA Glue with Activator. My slab was in incredibly good shape yet I still spent several hours over the course of a few days filling knots, bug holes and checks. And believe me, this was easy! But don’t underestimate the time and attention to detail it takes to prepare a slab properly. In many ways, a slab project seems like woodworking on easy mode. SOLD! I lovingly placed my new slab in the cab of my truck (it was just too beautiful to put in the bed) and headed by to my shop to get to know my new friend a little better. As it turns out, the legs were made by a local fabricator and they were also for sale. I selected a nice little slab of Claro Walnut that I thought would fit my space nicely and while I was checking out, I noticed a cool set of metal legs sitting over to the side. This place has more slabs than I’ve ever seen in one location including numerous species and sizes ranging from small to simply ludicrous. To say my mind was blown is a bit of an understatement. After looking at their website, I hopped in the truck and decided to see what they had to offer. The one place Denver locals kept recommending I check out what Collector’s Specialty Woods (CS Woods). ![]() We needed a new coffee table and I also wanted to build something that would showcase the new Wood Whisperer Thread Taps, so a simple Live Edge Slab Coffee Table with metal legs fit the bill nicely. One of the most exciting things about moving to Denver is that I now have access to more live edge slab material.
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