My local town adult education flyer came in for the winter session, offering
12 woodshop sessions for $200, which got me wondering.

Is it feasible to build a basic dining room table in 12 woodshop classes?
How much would it cost?

Of course, the devil is in the details, so I just want to rough it out.

I realize the variability in cost of the wood could be huge.
What's a decent dark'ish brown wood for a decent price for a dining room table?

The shape of the table would be either circular or rectangular with oval ends.
Maybe five or eight feet long?
(What's a basic size for seating four to six people?)

William Don**ly wrote:
My local town adult education flyer came in for the winter session, offering
12 woodshop sessions for $200, which got me wondering.

Is it feasible to build a basic dining room table in 12 woodshop classes?

I think the answer is yes if your instructor is intent on helping you do
it. This guy will help you build one in one day for $385, materials
included:

http://www.northwestlumberco.com/woodclass.htm



How much would it cost?

Of course, the devil is in the details, so I just want to rough it out.

I realize the variability in cost of the wood could be huge.
What's a decent dark'ish brown wood for a decent price for a dining room table?

The shape of the table would be either circular or rectangular with oval ends.
Maybe five or eight feet long?
(What's a basic size for seating four to six people?)

On Dec 9, 10:07*pm, William Don**ly wrote:
My local town adult education flyer came in for the winter session, offering
12 woodshop sessions for $200, which got me wondering.

Is it feasible to build a basic dining room table in 12 woodshop classes?
How much would it cost?

Of course, the devil is in the details, so I just want to rough it out.

I realize the variability in cost of the wood could be huge.
What's a decent dark'ish brown wood for a decent price for a dining room table?

The shape of the table would be either circular or rectangular with oval ends.
Maybe five or eight feet long?
(What's a basic size for seating four to six people?)

no doubt you coud pick up a cheap one for little money at a scondhand
store like goodwill......

making furniture is more about making something you can be proud of
than making something cheap.

and just about any wood can be stained for whatever color you want..

if 12 weeks isnt enough, just spread it over 2 class groups

12 weeks plus 12 weeks.

years ago i got into reaupolstering furniture, with no sewing skills
or heavy duty sewing machine i took the class multiple times and redid
lots of furniture. ended up helping as a assistant teacher by the time
i ran out of stuff to redo

On 12/9/2012 10:07 PM, William Don**ly wrote:
My local town adult education flyer came in for the winter session, offering
12 woodshop sessions for $200, which got me wondering.

Is it feasible to build a basic dining room table in 12 woodshop classes?
How much would it cost?

Of course, the devil is in the details, so I just want to rough it out.

I realize the variability in cost of the wood could be huge.
What's a decent dark'ish brown wood for a decent price for a dining room table?

The shape of the table would be either circular or rectangular with oval ends.
Maybe five or eight feet long?
(What's a basic size for seating four to six people?)


Wow! If you have a really good plan, a good instructor and adequate
tools, it could be done (IMO). A round table with leaves is my
favorite, and I'm shopping for one now. I had an antique 54" that once
had leaves but I didn't have leaves. It seated six easily but we often
seated eight...it was our only table and was in the large kitchen.
Although it was veneer, it took a beating and I just refinished the top
when it showed too much wear (baking, crafts, rolling out countless
batches of PlaDoh, etc). Round tables with pedestal allow for more
flexible seating because there are no legs to get in the way. A 48"
table might fit better if not in a really spacious home....you can
design in enough leaves to seat 20 if you want...the Amish make them
that way )

If I was undertaking such a plan, I'd go for constructing the pedestal
first (since I like round pedestal bases with hidden supports for when
the table has leaves added). Then the apron and slider mechanism. Any
fool can cut a circle ) I would definitely get a look at what is in
good furniture stores for familiarity, find good instructions and check
with the instructor before proceeding. Let us know )

Some tables have painted bases and clear finish on tops, which would
likely allow for using softer woods for the shaping. Oak is hard.

We recently purchased a bedroom set made in Amish country; brown maple,
whatever version of maple that is. I tried to pound a nail into
birdseye maple once....HARD! This furniture is incredibly heavy and
sooooo nicely made...the tongue and groove joints are just as pretty and
finely made as the outer parts.

On Mon, 10 Dec 2012 03:07:08 +0000 (UTC), William Don**ly
wrote:

My local town adult education flyer came in for the winter session, offering
12 woodshop sessions for $200, which got me wondering.

Is it feasible to build a basic dining room table in 12 woodshop classes?
How much would it cost?

Of course, the devil is in the details, so I just want to rough it out.

I realize the variability in cost of the wood could be huge.
What's a decent dark'ish brown wood for a decent price for a dining room table?

The shape of the table would be either circular or rectangular with oval ends.
Maybe five or eight feet long?
(What's a basic size for seating four to six people?)

If you really need to learn how to do make a table, by all means take
the class. But if you already know how, for $200 you could buy all the
tools you need to make one at home, as long as you dont buy real costly
tools.

A common dark wood is walnut, but there are others. As for the cost, go
to a local lumber yard and ask them. Newsgroups are not places to ask
prices, because they vary around the world.

For table sizes, go to a furniture store and take a ruler.

Dont forget, you'll need chairs to match!

On Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:01:09 -0500, Bill wrote:

William Don**ly wrote:
My local town adult education flyer came in for the winter session, offering
12 woodshop sessions for $200, which got me wondering.

Is it feasible to build a basic dining room table in 12 woodshop classes?

What is your woodworking background, William? If you have some
experience, the answer would be maybe, but only if the instructor
would allow it. Do ask first. Some classes revolve around a single
project, others around multiple projects of varying complexity for
each student. The instructor might make another class available for
your table and have some the other students make chairs for it, who
knows? Talk with the instructor (but don't let him bully you into
staining a lighter wood.


I think the answer is yes if your instructor is intent on helping you do
it. This guy will help you build one in one day for $385, materials
included:

http://www.northwestlumberco.com/woodclass.htm

I think he might mean this type table, rather than a dining set, Bill.
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/...yle-side-table



How much would it cost?

Of course, the devil is in the details, so I just want to rough it out.

I realize the variability in cost of the wood could be huge.
What's a decent dark'ish brown wood for a decent price for a dining room table?

Bless you for avoiding stain. Dark wood with a clearcoat are a
wonderful pair. Ask to see woods at your nearest hardwood lumber
yard. They can steer you to a good wood at a bearable price. Some of
the teak replacements are beautiful. My favorite finish is Waterlox
Original, in satin.


The shape of the table would be either circular or rectangular with oval ends.
Maybe five or eight feet long?
(What's a basic size for seating four to six people?)

How about 45 x 72 x 29" tall? Spacious enough for 6, comfy for 4.
Anything wider is harder to reach across, especially for smaller
women.

--
A human being must have occupation if he or
she is not to become a nuisance to the world.
-- Dorothy L. Sayers

We need to find -jobs- for our CONgresscritters!
-- Larry Jaques

William Don**ly wrote:
The shape of the table would be either circular or rectangular with
oval ends. Maybe five or eight feet long?

(What's a basic size for seating four to six people?)

Allow a minimum of 24" per person, 30" to be generous.

Consider width too...don't make it so wide that someone can't reach the
center from a seated position, 42-44" is common for rectangular tables.
Round tables are often greater than that in diameter, best with a lazy susan
appropriately sized.

--

dadiOH
____________________________

Winters getting colder? Tired of the rat race?
Maybe just ready for a change? Check it out...
http://www.floridaloghouse.net

William Don**ly wrote:

My local town adult education flyer came in for the winter session,
offering 12 woodshop sessions for $200, which got me wondering.

Is it feasible to build a basic dining room table in 12 woodshop classes?
How much would it cost?

Of course, the devil is in the details, so I just want to rough it out.

I realize the variability in cost of the wood could be huge.
What's a decent dark'ish brown wood for a decent price for a dining
room
table?

The shape of the table would be either circular or rectangular with oval
ends. Maybe five or eight feet long?
(What's a basic size for seating four to six people?)

As others have said, yes it is feasible. However, a lot depends on how the
class is structured.

One question though, why are you taking the class? Is it that you are not
confident of your woodworking skills? If that is the case AND the
instructor
1) will allow you to pick your own project,
2) does not feel the project is too large for the class (both room wise and
length of build time)
3) you are not going to try to get into anything fancy (assumning you are a
beginner) it could be done.

A better course of action is to read, hit the videos on Youtube, build a
trial project where you can hone your skills and then tackle the larger
project - always remembering the following

1) If it does not fit, back off, find out why and remake if necesary
2) When you rush, you screw up
3) It will take longer than you thought
4) It will cost more than you planned
5) In the coming years you will be amazed at both how well you did and
how you screwed up.

Go for it, life is too short not to grab on with both hands and shout, "Man,
what a ride."

Deb

On 12/9/2012 9:07 PM, William Don**ly wrote:
My local town adult education flyer came in for the winter session, offering
12 woodshop sessions for $200, which got me wondering.

Is it feasible to build a basic dining room table in 12 woodshop classes?
How much would it cost?

Probably not unless the classes are all day long, then "maybe" it would
be feasible if you know exactly what order to do things and there is no
learning curve to operate the equipment.

This is why good quality furniture is not cheap.





Of course, the devil is in the details, so I just want to rough it out.

I realize the variability in cost of the wood could be huge.
What's a decent dark'ish brown wood for a decent price for a dining room table?


Probably least expensive, walnut but relatively soft compared to oak.
White Oak would give you a medium brown color and less likely to dent
than walnut.



The shape of the table would be either circular or rectangular with oval ends.
Maybe five or eight feet long?
(What's a basic size for seating four to six people?)


Go to a local furniture store and pick the size you like.

On 12/9/2012 10:01 PM, Bill wrote:
William Don**ly wrote:
My local town adult education flyer came in for the winter session,
offering
12 woodshop sessions for $200, which got me wondering.

Is it feasible to build a basic dining room table in 12 woodshop classes?

I think the answer is yes if your instructor is intent on helping you do
it. This guy will help you build one in one day for $385, materials
included:

http://www.northwestlumberco.com/woodclass.htm


In one day ONLY if the instructor is going to help you build an IKEA
dining room table. From scratch, not a chance.







How much would it cost?

Of course, the devil is in the details, so I just want to rough it out.

I realize the variability in cost of the wood could be huge.
What's a decent dark'ish brown wood for a decent price for a dining
room table?

The shape of the table would be either circular or rectangular with
oval ends.
Maybe five or eight feet long?
(What's a basic size for seating four to six people?)

William,

No, nowhere near long enough. A wood working class will have good quality
tools but in limiteed supply. So the table saw will be occupied 99% of the
time. Ditto sanders, et c.
You don't say how long a class is, or how experienced you are with
cabintry but no, this won't happen.
Speak to the teacher of the class for a reasonable guesstimate.

Dave M.

On 12/9/2012 10:01 PM, Bill wrote:

I think the answer is yes if your instructor is intent on helping you do
it. This guy will help you build one in one day for $385, materials
included:

Thank you for not cross-posting, along with the old time wRec'ers, Leon
and C_Less.

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/114902129577517371552/posts
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

On 12/9/2012 9:07 PM, William Don**ly wrote:
Is it feasible to build a basic dining room table in 12 woodshop classes?

Yes, but only if each class is a minimum of two to four hours ... toward
the latter if you want the table to be something you will be proud of
when you're finished.

How much would it cost?

Not enough information is given to make even a SWAG. Plan on FAS
hardwood going from $6 to $9 a board foot in most places these days, so
do the math on the high side, plus at least 20% for waste.

If the lessons are worth while, $200 for twelve lesson is a good deal
and, depending upon the quality of the instruction, may be well be worth
it just for the experience if you don't have any.

Check to see if these folks have photographic or other evidence of what
has been accomplished by students in previous classes.

Without that, you stand a good chance of buying a pig in a poke, so it
is more than reasonable to ask for references before paying your money.

Good luck with it ... sounds like fun.

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/114902129577517371552/posts
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

On 12/10/2012 8:09 AM, David L. Martel wrote:
You don't say how long a class is, or how experienced you are with
cabintry but no, this won't happen.

WTF does "cabintry" have to do with building a "dining room table"??

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/114902129577517371552/posts
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

On 12/10/2012 8:04 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
On Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:01:09 -0500, Bill wrote:


I think the answer is yes if your instructor is intent on helping you do
it. This guy will help you build one in one day for $385, materials
included:

http://www.northwestlumberco.com/woodclass.htm

I think he might mean this type table, rather than a dining set, Bill.
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/...yle-side-table

Yes, I was just trying to make a point (with my example). You
(obviously) provided the OP with good advice.

I think one of the best parts of taking a class would be the
availability of good table saws, jointers and planers, hand planes,
vises, and all of the other niceties!

Bill

On Mon, 10 Dec 2012 07:06:46 -0500, Norminn
If I was undertaking such a plan, I'd go for constructing the pedestal
first (since I like round pedestal bases with hidden supports for when
the table has leaves added). Then the apron and slider mechanism. Any
fool can cut a circle ) I would definitely get a look at what is in
good furniture stores for familiarity, find good instructions and check
with the instructor before proceeding.

Basically what I did when I built my outdoor cedar trestle table. Base
first and then the top was easy.

Swingman has (or had) a dining room trestle table that he built
several years ago and I modeled my garden table after it.

Having the experience building that, it wouldn't be too much of a
stretch to build a hardwood indoor table in a similar vein.

Bill wrote:
On 12/10/2012 8:04 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
On Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:01:09 -0500, Bill wrote:


I think the answer is yes if your instructor is intent on helping
you do it. This guy will help you build one in one day for $385,
materials included:

http://www.northwestlumberco.com/woodclass.htm

I think he might mean this type table, rather than a dining set,
Bill.
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/...yle-side-table

Yes, I was just trying to make a point (with my example). You
(obviously) provided the OP with good advice.

Good advice in a general sense perhaps, but Larry didn't bother to read what
the OP had posted about the table he wishes to build. The original included
information was for a table not the least bit like what Larry suggested.
But - that's Larry...


I think one of the best parts of taking a class would be the
availability of good table saws, jointers and planers, hand planes,
vises, and all of the other niceties!


One would certainly hope, but unfortunately, one does not always experience
that benefit. Sometimes... and sometimes - not so much.

--

-Mike-

On Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:27:11 -0600, Swingman wrote:

On 12/9/2012 10:01 PM, Bill wrote:

I think the answer is yes if your instructor is intent on helping you do
it. This guy will help you build one in one day for $385, materials
included:

Thank you for not cross-posting, along with the old time wRec'ers, Leon
and C_Less.

WTF are you ragging about now, Karl?

--
A human being must have occupation if he or
she is not to become a nuisance to the world.
-- Dorothy L. Sayers

We need to find -jobs- for our CONgresscritters!
-- Larry Jaques

Dr. Deb wrote:

One question though, why are you taking the class?
Is it that you are not confident of your woodworking skills?

I have the skills only because I took woodworking class in high school
(all four years) - but then - I became an electronics tech so all the shop
equipment I've bought since then has been radically different in character.

I don't have the equipment nor room for the equipment (unless I build a shed):
- Table saw (I have a chop saw)
- Router table (I have a router & bits, but I never used them)
- Band saw (I have a hand held power jig saw & circular saw)
- Drill press (I have a hand held power drill and bits)
- Disc & belt sander (I have a hand held power belt sander)
- Wood clamps (I have your basic foot-long C clamps)

I've been toying with the idea of buying the basic shop tools above
but then I'd have to build a powered shed in order to store & use them.

That's why the class seems most intriguing.

David L. Martel wrote:

You don't say how long a class is

Here is the class description:

Woodworking Techniques 101:
This comprehensive 12-session class is a complete course in woodworking
techniques.
Each 3-hour class covers basic and fundamental woodworking concepts for both
the new woodworker & advanced techniques for the experienced craftsman.
Lumber may be purchased from the instructor or brought by the student
but only new lumber may be used on the school machinery.
Each student must choose a project by the third week.
Project grading will be based on safety, simplicity, form, and finish.
A $25 charge for materials is payable to the instructor at the first meeting.

Larry Jaques wrote:
On Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:27:11 -0600, Swingman wrote:

On 12/9/2012 10:01 PM, Bill wrote:

I think the answer is yes if your instructor is intent on helping you do
it. This guy will help you build one in one day for $385, materials
included:

Thank you for not cross-posting, along with the old time wRec'ers, Leon
and C_Less.

WTF are you ragging about now, Karl?

Thanking for not cross posting. If you have a problem with that, kiss my
ass.


--
www.ewoodshop.com

On 12/10/2012 12:09 PM, William Don**ly wrote:

Here is the class description:

Woodworking Techniques 101:
This comprehensive 12-session class is a complete course in woodworking
techniques.
Each 3-hour class covers basic and fundamental woodworking concepts for both
the new woodworker & advanced techniques for the experienced craftsman.
Lumber may be purchased from the instructor or brought by the student
but only new lumber may be used on the school machinery.
Each student must choose a project by the third week.
Project grading will be based on safety, simplicity, form, and finish.
A $25 charge for materials is payable to the instructor at the first meeting.

Go for it ...

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/114902129577517371552/posts
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

William Don**ly wrote:

Here is the class description:

Woodworking Techniques 101:
This comprehensive 12-session class is a complete course in
woodworking
techniques.
Each 3-hour class covers basic and fundamental woodworking concepts
for both
the new woodworker & advanced techniques for the experienced
craftsman.
Lumber may be purchased from the instructor or brought by the
student
but only new lumber may be used on the school machinery.
Each student must choose a project by the third week.
Project grading will be based on safety, simplicity, form, and
finish.
A $25 charge for materials is payable to the instructor at the
first meeting.
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Swingman" wrote:

Go for it ...
--------------------------------------------------------------
It's like chicken soup.

No medicinal value, but hadn't oughta hurt.

Take it, you'll have fun.

Lew

On 12/10/2012 9:22 AM, Mike Marlow wrote:
Bill wrote:
On 12/10/2012 8:04 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
On Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:01:09 -0500, Bill wrote:


I think the answer is yes if your instructor is intent on helping
you do it. This guy will help you build one in one day for $385,
materials included:

http://www.northwestlumberco.com/woodclass.htm

I think he might mean this type table, rather than a dining set,
Bill.
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/...yle-side-table

Yes, I was just trying to make a point (with my example). You
(obviously) provided the OP with good advice.

Good advice in a general sense perhaps, but Larry didn't bother to read what
the OP had posted about the table he wishes to build. The original included
information was for a table not the least bit like what Larry suggested.
But - that's Larry...


Yeah, I was wondering what part of the title led Larry astray.

On 12/10/2012 12:18 PM, Lew Hodgett wrote:


It used to be nice reading your posts... Plonk

Bill,

3 hrs. sounds pretty good but that's class time. How much of each class
is actually shop time. Remember that you can't run the table saw during
lectures.
Go talk to the teacher. Go look at the shop. Check out the equipment.
Remember that you can't use the pipe clamps if someone else has them.
I took a simple wood working course in grade school. Getting enough pipe
clamps was a pain. Scheduling time on the mitre box was a pain. I think that
was the point of the class. Machine shop class was the same. My grandfather
was a carpenter with a basement shop. Doing things in his shop was much
easier than doing things in a classroom shop.
The $25 shop charge for materials suggest a beginner's class and
beginners are slow.

Dave M.

On Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:49:14 +0000 (UTC), William Don**ly
wrote:

Dr. Deb wrote:

One question though, why are you taking the class?
Is it that you are not confident of your woodworking skills?

I have the skills only because I took woodworking class in high school
(all four years) - but then - I became an electronics tech so all the shop
equipment I've bought since then has been radically different in character.

I don't have the equipment nor room for the equipment (unless I build a shed):
- Table saw (I have a chop saw)
- Router table (I have a router & bits, but I never used them)
- Band saw (I have a hand held power jig saw & circular saw)
- Drill press (I have a hand held power drill and bits)
- Disc & belt sander (I have a hand held power belt sander)
- Wood clamps (I have your basic foot-long C clamps)

I've been toying with the idea of buying the basic shop tools above
but then I'd have to build a powered shed in order to store & use them.

That's why the class seems most intriguing.

The class is probably a good idea. You didn't state what area of the
country you're in but places like Woodcraft and Rockler (stores that
cater to wood workers) offer such courses, too. They have courses
targeted a little more specifically, too. In addition, some larger
metropolitan areas have a woodworking club or businesses that rent out
shop space and tools.

On Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:18:13 -0800, "Lew Hodgett"
wrote:




Your posts of late have shown a vast increase in intelligence compared
to what preceded them.

On Dec 9, 10:07*pm, William Don**ly wrote:
My local town adult education flyer came in for the winter session, offering
12 woodshop sessions for $200, which got me wondering.

Is it feasible to build a basic dining room table in 12 woodshop classes?
How much would it cost?

Of course, the devil is in the details, so I just want to rough it out.

I realize the variability in cost of the wood could be huge.
What's a decent dark'ish brown wood for a decent price for a dining room table?

What finish? Walnut's lovely, but open grained, and needs
to be filled if you're using a varnish or lacquer. Figured
maple looks amazing with a dyed stain such as Transfast,
and will be much easier to finish.

For varnish, nothing better than Rockhard (Behlen's).
Phenolic resin base, cures tough and easy to rub.

The shape of the table would be either circular or rectangular with oval ends.
Maybe five or eight feet long?
(What's a basic size for seating four to six people?)

On Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:52:15 -0600, Leon lcb11211@swbelldotnet
wrote:

On 12/10/2012 9:22 AM, Mike Marlow wrote:
Bill wrote:
On 12/10/2012 8:04 AM, Larry Jaques wrote:
On Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:01:09 -0500, Bill wrote:


I think the answer is yes if your instructor is intent on helping
you do it. This guy will help you build one in one day for $385,
materials included:

http://www.northwestlumberco.com/woodclass.htm

I think he might mean this type table, rather than a dining set,
Bill.
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/...yle-side-table

Yes, I was just trying to make a point (with my example). You
(obviously) provided the OP with good advice.

Good advice in a general sense perhaps, but Larry didn't bother to read what
the OP had posted about the table he wishes to build. The original included
information was for a table not the least bit like what Larry suggested.
But - that's Larry...


Yeah, I was wondering what part of the title led Larry astray.

He = the northwest guy, not the OP. What led you guys astray?

--
A human being must have occupation if he or
she is not to become a nuisance to the world.
-- Dorothy L. Sayers

We need to find -jobs- for our CONgresscritters!
-- Larry Jaques