Hello,

I have a friend who needs a folding salon table for his older 32'
sailboat that is moored in the San Francisco Bay. I am looking for
suggestions as to what would be the best wood to use and finish.

I realize that budget dictates what is and is not feasible as well as
the skill of the craftsman. I would probably be the crasftsman and I
am no woodworking master but, I am handy with tools and am willing to
spend a few hundred dollars in sawdust ;-) if that's what it takes to
become more proficient, he too is interested in the learning process.

I have basic tools, a good circular saw that I can keep within a
milimiter accuracy on a four foot cut, a top of the line Freud router
and am eager to have an excuse to buy a modest band saw (a 10in Ryobi
from the Borg.) My friend's budget is at around $200 (US) but, I
would be willing to kick in some of my own money just for the learning
experience. The table area is about three or four feet by five to six
feet (depends on some other seating modification still undergoing
consideration) and when folded over the underside of the fold would of
course be visible and useful as a work table (it probably would see
the most use.)

On the high side I imagine that Teak and Mahogany are the top choices.
What about and why not Maple (for example)? Also, what finish would
be a choice one (the boat is in salt water at all times.) Douglas
Fir, Oak and Spruce are used in boat construction are these good
candidates too and why would you choose one over the others?

I welcome a spectrum of sugggestions from the exotic to mundane
(mahogany to plywood with a venere) if anyone will be so kind as to
take the time to offer them so that I may learn from you.

His primary goal at this time is more functionalilty so closer to the
lower cost will be what he wants but, I am interested in knowlege of
how and why someone would choose and use the more exotic solutions
too.

Thank you very kindly in advance.

-Lou

Hi Lou,
The table seems a little large for a 32 footer. That being said, wood
choice is up to you, since it will be located down below with a proper
finish. Anything from pine to teak will work. The best finish will start a
discussion among sailors. I am in the varnish only group. Others will
swear by polyurethane.
Dave

The most classic of course is Teak. Mahogany is second best but
getting good and real mahogany is pretty difficult.

Look at http://www.teakwarehouse.com for some classic Teak design
elements. Typicially done with slats and frames.

Also look at http://www.jamestowndistributors.com for great marine
hardware, you'll want to go with stainless or brass. These guys have
great prices and also have lots o' teak accessories and wood although a
local supplier might be better on the wood.

BW

Lou:

I attended a docent led tour at the National
Park Service boat shop in SF. We got to see a lot of different
boats and tools that they use for building and maintenance.
In one of the boats - Hercules - which is a tug, there
is a dining table that was made out of ply. Covered in
poly. Seems to be holding up well. I'd go with that!
Perhaps bronze or stainless steel hinges and screws
would be fine as well.

Also check to see what the boat shops are offering. Got
to be something like what you need and see what they
are using for a similar item!


MJ Wallace

On Tue, 14 Jun 2005 19:05:50 GMT, Lou Donayre
wrote:

Hello,

I have a friend who needs a folding salon table for his older 32'
sailboat that is moored in the San Francisco Bay. I am looking for
suggestions as to what would be the best wood to use and finish.

I realize that budget dictates what is and is not feasible as well as
the skill of the craftsman. I would probably be the crasftsman and I
am no woodworking master but, I am handy with tools and am willing to
spend a few hundred dollars in sawdust ;-) if that's what it takes to
become more proficient, he too is interested in the learning process.

I have basic tools, a good circular saw that I can keep within a
milimiter accuracy on a four foot cut, a top of the line Freud router
and am eager to have an excuse to buy a modest band saw (a 10in Ryobi
from the Borg.) My friend's budget is at around $200 (US) but, I
would be willing to kick in some of my own money just for the learning
experience. The table area is about three or four feet by five to six
feet (depends on some other seating modification still undergoing
consideration) and when folded over the underside of the fold would of
course be visible and useful as a work table (it probably would see
the most use.)

On the high side I imagine that Teak and Mahogany are the top choices.
What about and why not Maple (for example)? Also, what finish would
be a choice one (the boat is in salt water at all times.) Douglas
Fir, Oak and Spruce are used in boat construction are these good
candidates too and why would you choose one over the others?

I welcome a spectrum of sugggestions from the exotic to mundane
(mahogany to plywood with a venere) if anyone will be so kind as to
take the time to offer them so that I may learn from you.

His primary goal at this time is more functionalilty so closer to the
lower cost will be what he wants but, I am interested in knowlege of
how and why someone would choose and use the more exotic solutions
too.

Thank you very kindly in advance.



#1: I'd ping Lew Hodgett (sp?) on this, as he is the resident
boatswain.

#2: I may get my head cut off for saying this but - I think a
solid surface material (a la Corian but there are cheaper
alternatives) would be a great contrast to the usual insides of a
woodie and would give you good maintainence characteristics.



-Lou

Tom Watson - WoodDorker
tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (email)
http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/ (website)

Lou Donayre wrote:
Hello,

I have a friend who needs a folding salon table for his older 32'
sailboat that is moored in the San Francisco Bay. I am looking for
suggestions as to what would be the best wood to use and finish.

snip

Go to the library, get Fred Bingham's book, Practical Yacht Joinery and
read it.

About $20 gets a copy on Amazon.

You will find it very helpful, I don't go to the boat yard without mine.

There are as many ways to build a salon table as there are boats.

One way is to use plywood, then laminate it with Formica or equal and
trim it out with teak, mahogany, white oak, maple, etc, etc.

In other words, what ever floats your boat.


Lew

Thank you all.

The table is definitely smaller than my original specification. As it
turns out it is about 18" wide and not folding. It is also used as
part of the berth (the supports are remove and it is lowered onto a
ledge in the starboard seat.) I didn't know that before this
afternoon so with that in mind we are going to go with Teak.

I am also going to buy the book that Lew suggested.

Warmest regards and thanks again,

-Lou