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Kintsugi coffee table

author-gravatar BigRock Dec 01, 2019

Kintsugi Table

This Japanese inspired piece embraces the concept of “perfectly imperfect” to create a sense of harmony in spite of division. It is the antithesis of mass production and celebrates the unique and inherent beauty of nature.

The hand selected Camphor Laurel Slab was chosen for its distinctive grain pattern. The split is the focal point, enhanced through inlaying four purple heart bowties, embracing its imperfection for superior structural integrity.

The blackbutt trapezoidal base is constructed using floating mortise and tenon joinery

#coffeetable #table # bowties #purpleheart 

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

Picked out a Camphour laurel slab from the timber yard 

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

Also grabbed a small piece of Purple Heart 

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

I got to work by cutting the slab in half and straight ripping one edge

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

Off to the jointer to get that seam perfect

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

I cut the bow ties on the bandsaw before cleaning up the edge with my chisel. I marked them out with blue tape and a marking knife

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

The glueup went perfectly and I was really happy with the tight fit

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

After stabilizing the board with the bow ties it was time to glue the two slabs together

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

Clamps clamps clamps clamps

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
  • I thought a trapezoidal base would be the perfect complement. I used my Domino for the loose tenon joinery which made this a no fuss glueup
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

I got the top in place and where I wanted it

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

Time for the finishing touches and final sand

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

I used pure tung oil for the finish, seven coats in the end. It took a while but I kept thinking well..... just one more can’t hurt!!

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

Really happy with the finished product

Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table
Photo of Kintsugi coffee table

1 comment

Wow, that slab is amazing! It just popped with finish. I don't blame you for adding more finish with it looking so good haha. Thanks for sharing!

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