New Idea

A friend suggested making a table with some kind of container below it and making a planter. Plant growing up through the gaps. Would be cool with a fern of some kind.

Choices....so many choices

I have been doing some research on finishes. Steve told me that they use spray lacquer, and that might be the best choice for me. This is a good summary:

 Choosing a Finish 

I don't have to worry about durability. Even if I decide it's a table, it won't get rough use. I don't want the finish to yellow. And I don't want it to alter the color much. I am thinking a satin finish rather than the high gloss that is normally seen.

Spray or wipe appeals to me rather than applying with a brush.

Options

I have considered several options. Option 1 is a table with some generic wooden legs that pretty much "disappear."


Option 2

Then I thought about modifying this table (Option 2). It is hand-hammered wrought iron, but the top isn't very nice. On the other hand, my slab is pretty open and might not make a functional table. In addition, the back is very rough (and not parallel to the front). Then again, I plan to finish both sides. But then again... redwood table.. legacy technology for sure.

 

Option 3 is a wall hanging.

 

Option 4 is to hanging it in the open from the ceiling--maybe over the island in the kitchen or where the big plant is over the fireplace.

The last option is to put it on a stand. It could be either in a fixed position or movable (maybe rotating on a big mounting pin.

Time will tell (but leaning toward 4 or 5).

Option 4

Tools of the Trade

I am doing this pretty much by hand with tools I happened to have lying around. The little srewdiver is really a bit of a chisel (I am not sure whether it came that way or whether Dad filed it down for some reason). I am using three grades of sandpaper--80, 120, and 220. The scissors are a spare pair of kitchen scissors to cut the sandpaper. I am just sure that they will be sharper and better after this.  (sarc). The torch is to darken the edges. Steve said that they use a torch to do that. However, the edges on mine are darker already, so I am not sure how that will turn out. As you can see, I have been doing my share of cleanup and sanding. 

The Slab

Back

Front

This is it. The top, or front, depending on what it becomes, is in pretty good shape. The bottom, or back, is very rough. It's about 2 by 3 feet. All kind of dirt and loose bark to get rid of. Also, as Steve pointed out to me, the slab is used to 100 percent humidity and will need to adjust to Boise's 20 percent. It's a bit "punky," but that might change as it dries out.  A bargain IMHO.

The Buy

 

Steve in Orick, California

I found it on a trip to Brookings, Oregon, with my friend Kathy to see her sister, Sharon. Sharon was kind enough to take us south into California to see the redwoods.

I am in awe of the redwoods. 1,000+ years and still growing. It's an amazing experience.

Sharon took us to Orick to pick up a base that she ordered for her redwood table. I talked to Steve about redwood and how he worked with it. He assured me that all their wood was from deadfall and legally obtained. He also answered all of my questions--patiently. An artist. And a great guy.

I looked around the yard at the unfinished burls and slabs and found mine. $69. And very interesting.