Wood cross in a log

Two tone lap table

 

 The Challenge

This was a more challenging project than I anticipated when i was designing it.  I decided to take a different rout when I made to two tone top.  I cut the star and the moon out of the pine top and a star and a moon out of an oak block of wood.  This was the most challenging part because I did it all with a band saw.  I first cut the shape out of the top  before I could do the edge glue. Which meant that all my calculations had to be perfect.  Then, I went through the agonizing process of sanding the shapes into the exact size of the cut out.  This was really difficult.  Luckily I a friend to help me with some of the labor, so it only took about 14 hours to build in total. 

Modification that need to be made to the design
The design is to bulky.  It does not really fit anywhere very well.  Its very heavy.  The legs open up really far, there is a three foot gap between the bottom part of the legs when its open.  This is just the way it works when you design your own furniture.  Sometimes you just do not design it very well.  When ever I feel discouraged with my designs, I like think of Thomas Edison.  When he created the light bulb, people said that he failed a thousand times. His response was that he found a thousand ways not to make a light bulb.  That is a truth that I need to remind myself of every so often. 
 
The story behind the symbol
I am told that the symbol is an African love symbol.  The crescent moon represents the man and the star represents the women.  The moon shelters and protects the star.  I like to add these last bit, that the star (women) shines her light (love) on the moon (man).  The  moon then begins to spread light (love) that originates from the star (women).

My buddy picked the symbol because this was a gift to his girlfriend for their two year anniversary.  I was really happy that he wanted to do this with me, and that I was able to make something like this with him. 

Multi Rack

Top

 This rack is a multi purpose rack.  You can rest anything on it you need to.  I use it by the fire pit for the the poker stick and marshmallow roaster sticks.  Once you are finished using the rack it folds up for easy storage.

First Post

Hi, my name is John Swenson. I enjoy designing and building furniture so I thought that I would create a place where I can share my passion.  If you are also interested in woodworking or designing, I would love to hear from you for networking.  On my Blog I will post new innovative ideas for furniture designs.