"Sonny" wrote in message
...
Two issues of concern:
1) The table top is about 11' 9" long. One end is 31" wide and the other
end is 35" wide. As is, the table looks odd (though not so in the pics),
being too narrow looking. I think it needs to be wider and I do have
more boards, to widen the table top. Also, the leg units are 48" wide, so
the "feet" stick out well beyond the table top sides.... that looks
awkward, too. A wider table top would make things look much better.
Question: What might be an optimum width for this length of table top,
for it to look appropriately sized?

2) One leg unit was checked from the start and is more noticeable in
these pics, i.e., after it has been planed and sanded with 80 grit, a
better view of the check. The leg unit is pretty darn stable, doesn't
flex along the check, but that might not last forever. The leg is 3.5"
thick. I think, but not sure yet, I can have it sawn along the check, at
a local pro wood shop, then glue it back together, with a long tenon
running the length of the cut face. I wonder how well I can clamp it,
though, having uneven edges for the clamp faces to press against. This
check is really unsightly and I would like to remove it, despite the unit
being stable, but I'm not sure if I can glue things back together and it
be as stable as it seems to be, now. Question: Would you cut the check
out? Any glue & clamp advice would be appreciated, also. I do have
adequate hefty bar clamps for this size stock.

First 5 Pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/43836144@N04/?details=1

Additional comments: In person, the table really looks rustic, as is.
Reminds me of something the vikings or midevil folks would sit around, big
and bulky raw furniture. I wasn't expecting it to have this look to it
and I like this appearance. I wonder if a finish coat will remove this
midevil-like look. If this look remains, I can see a long matching bench
seat, or two, to accompany it. I have the rootball stock for bench legs.

Thanks for any help.
Sonny

It looks nice. I would not be concerned with cracks on a table like this.
They only add to its authenticity. If it gets bad, you can always put in a
dutchman. I have seen that done on big slab tables like this. As for
finish, there are folks who do this sort of thing all the time and sell
their tables to the public. What do they do? Might want to check out their
products and copy them. The table is powerful enough visually, any kind of
finish that shows the wood will be fine. Just don't paint it!! ;-)

As for the look, the more you can add to the set with a similar theme, the
better. This is unique enough, go for it and make more things like this.
It will almost overwhelming to the senses to see a complete set. I have
seen sets like that and helped work on a few. People really respond to this
sort of thing.

I worked for a short while for a guy who would go out to the beach and
collect driftwood stumps of all sizes. He made them into tables and other
furniture. He got top dollar and people loved them.