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    Fine Woodworking Project Guides

    Tables and Desks

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    • Design and Techniques
    • Dining Tables
    • Side Tables
    • Coffee Tables and Hall Tables
    • Desks
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    Single Board Side Table: Wipe-On Varnish Finish

    Learn how to apply a wipe-on finish that deepens the rich color of cherry.

    Author Headshot By Michael Pekovich Dec 09, 2014

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    In this video workshop, Michael Pekovich shows you step-by-step, how to build a beautiful cherry side table, harvesting each and every part from a single board. With advanced lessons on grain matching and milling, as well as a hybrid cabriole leg design that poses interesting woodworking challenges, this table is sure to become an heirloom.

    In this final episode, learn how to-apply a wipe-on finish that deepens the rich color of cherry.

    Produced by: Ed Pirnik; Video by: Gary Junken; Editing by: Tom Olivares

     

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    Videos in the Series

    • Single board side table making

      Single Board Side Table: Introduction

      December 9, 2014

      In this introductory video, Mike Pekovich gives an overview of his design process for creating a contemporary side table.

    • Single Board Side Table: Board Layout and Rough-Cutting

      December 9, 2014

      Building a side table from a single board requires a thorough understanding of wood grain.

    • Learning general milling techniques

      Single Board Side Table: Advanced Milling Techniques

      December 9, 2014

      Catch a crash course in general milling techniques, with an eye towards great grain and color matches.

    • Single Board Side Table: Joinery and Tabletop, Part I

      December 9, 2014

      Learn how to lay out and accurately cut the side table's joinery.

    • working on a dovetailed top stretcher that ensures this table will never come apart

      Single Board Side Table: Joinery and Tabletop, Part II

      December 9, 2014

      Complete the joinery phase with lessons on tight-fitting tenons and a dovetailed top stretcher that ensures this table will never come apart.

    • Single Board Side Table: Contemporary Cabriole Legs

      December 9, 2014

      Learn how to create a modern twist on the classic cabriole leg.

    • Dovetailed drawers

      Single Board Side Table: Glue-Up and Dovetailed Drawer

      December 9, 2014

      Get your glue-up right the first time, and then learn to cut dovetails for the drawer with hand tools.

    • varnish finish

      Single Board Side Table: Wipe-On Varnish Finish

      December 9, 2014

      Learn how to apply a wipe-on finish that deepens the rich color of cherry.

    X
    X
    Previous: Single Board Side Table: Glue-Up and Dovetailed Drawer Next: Light and Lively Side Table

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    Tables and Desks

    Chapter

    Side Tables

    Comments

    1. capiron | Aug 19, 2017 10:38am | #1

      In the finishing section, just before dipping the steel wool in wax to rub out the finish, , something was poured on the steel wool from a rectangular can, but it wasn't identified. What was it? Thanks

      Dan

    2. Canguys | Jan 22, 2018 09:15pm | #2

      I was going to ask the very same question. What did Mike pour on the steel wool before dipping into the wax can?

      Very nice table Mike. I thoroughly enjoy that series and now it is on my TODO list.

      1. User avater FWW Editor
        BenStrano | Jan 22, 2018 10:52pm | #3

        That was probably mineral spirits, but I'll try and confirm.

    3. user-7106104 | Jan 02, 2019 10:59pm | #4

      Mike, this is really great and you teach the steps very well. So glad I joined Fine Woodworking. Can’t wait for your next one.
      Randy

    4. user-6193229 | Jan 08, 2019 10:36am | #5

      Another excellent lesson in woodworking.

    5. Billygoat21 | Jul 05, 2019 07:11am | #6

      Mike,
      I really enjoyed watching your videos, I recently finished some shaker style tables using your help. I have a question on finishing, It appears your using wax that is no longer available, is there a type of wax I should use; with mineral spirits or toluene based solvents? I have concerns about using certain waxes with solvents that may harm the Waterlox original sealer oil based varnish that we used. Thanks again.

    6. DrCrack | Nov 22, 2019 05:55pm | #7

      Easily one of the best video series I've seen. In particular, episode 1 in which you covered board layout and grain analysis was very insightful. I've been a beginning woodworker for about twenty years now, but with your help, I'm hoping to move up to hobbyist soon.

    7. user-7106104 | Jan 23, 2020 12:33am | #8

      What was the answer regarding the can right before dipping into the wax? Was it mineral spirits?

      1. User avater FWW Editor
        BenStrano | Jan 23, 2020 09:21am | #9

        Mike pours mineral spirits (or sometimes turpentine) on the steel wool before he applies wax. https://www.finewoodworking.com/2011/05/18/how-to-apply-wiping-varnish

    8. ThomasN | Mar 17, 2020 12:48pm | #10

      If you think Mike does a good job of instruction in the video, you must go to one of his classes. I have attended 2 at Marc Adams and he is by far one of the best instructors I have had. Laid back and a VERY dry sense of humor.
      Tom

    9. user-6193229 | Feb 12, 2021 09:12pm | #11

      When I watch videos of projects being built the person making the project always starts with, I have milled the stock to a ruff size. It was real helpful to get a lesson on what happens before the parts are cut and put together. Also I appreciated the part about laying out of the parts so that there less chance of getting things turned around.Great tips I enjoyed the series.

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