In each bi-monthly episode of DiResta (every other Wednesday at 2pm PT), artist and master builder Jimmy DiResta (Dirty Money, Hammered, Against the Grain, Trash for Cash) lets us into his workshop, to look over his shoulder while he builds whatever strikes his fancy. On this episode of DiResta, Jimmy turns a pile of ancient 3x4s into a coffee table for a friend. – Gareth Branwyn
Materials/Supplies:
- Pile of old 3×4 lumber
- 24″ x 1/2″ threaded rod (4)
- Bolts & washers (8)
- Water-based polyurethane
- Jaxxs-brand metal blackener
Tools:
- Chop saw
- Sander
- Drill press
- Hammer
- Nail puller
- Propane torch
Jimmy’s Notes:
I found this pile of 3x4s about five years ago in a dumpster. I knew I wanted to use them together in a piece, but didn’t know what. Last week, a friend asked me to make him a coffee table from reclaimed wood. I remembered this pile I kept stored in the back of the shop. The first step with old wood is removing as many nails as possible. I wanted to leave some nails to keep texture in the surface. I liked the industrial look of the old wood and wanted to use bolts to fasten the pieces together. This is how I arrived at simply bolting the pieces together. Looking back, I may have been subconsciously inspired by the tables in
Apple stores, the tables have the end grain of each leg showing on top, at each corner — something I took notice of while Christmas shopping last year.
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