07/21/2026
So this is a long one, as is the time of completion on this project. Sometimes, things just don't go as planned. This project started as an almost 8ft long Conference table. The slab of oak started at around 3.5 inches thick, and 4.5 feet wide. This thing weighed easily 400 pounds. I dropped it off to get flattened only to receive a call the next day saying that the slab cupped badly overnight and they found pockets of 20 to 25% moisture. 8 % or less is ideal for Indiana. So, I then had to find a kiln to finish drying the slab. That took a couple of months to finish drying out. When it came out of the kiln, it looked like a lays potato chip it warped so much. The large crack in the middle had become even worse. After 6 hours on their flattening cnc and down to 1.75 inches thick, it was almost perfectly flat. I started working the slab only to find the crack in the middle was so weak the table was wanting to split in half. I ripped the center out and was going to dowel the 2 slabs together and bowtie the crack. Got busy with other projects and life, and the slabs warped again just sitting in my garage. Tried to refund the client the money and wash my hands of it, but they were more determined and patient than I was. They had a great idea and asked to have one piece made into a coffee bar. Which is what I finally delivered to my client today over a year and a half later from start to finish. To say this client was patient and understanding is an understatement. But I love the way it turned out and I'm happy they love it.
