Well, I have never actually used the stuff myself, but I have seriously considered it. For one thing, not sure what they used on their outdoor bar, but Liquid glass specifically says "not for outdoor use". They claim that cracks are easily repaired by filling the crack and then sanding/buffing the repair area. If I recall correctly, they want the piece to be sealed (top and bottom?) before applying the Glass...I assume that would limit wood movement a lot as long as temps in the building don't fluctuate wildly. Also, they have a techline that you can call to discuss using Liquid Glass on your project. I know have seen quite a few large slab projects over the years that appeared to have Liquid Glass on it...don't remember seeing any cracks... Just my 2 cents...carry on!
Because you don't have breadboard ends on the tops you may experience some cracking and Joint separation on the ends, expecially because you built it in the summer. Was the stock down to 8% or equilibrium?
I didn't test all of it but I was getting 12-14% in the center of the 4x4s, which I thought was about equilibrium for this time of year. I would most certainly burn it. So far it's been a dream to work with - I selected some of my nicest stuff for the project. All very clear, straight stuff, and none of it was checked despite not having the ends sealed. I think it's going to be perfect forever.
It might be and I hope it is, but I wouldn't bet on it depends on how dry the air is in the building in the winter. Because of the high humidity we've had here lately I was curious and checked some Woodwork in the house few days ago, it was 13%, winter is about 7 or below, that's with the cheap meter I have. Even if it does crack on the ends it just gives it character
Those Pinterest tables are the money makers! No 80hrs into them! But in all seriousness Its good to see somebody with serious pride in their work it shows! I think the slabs cracking or splitting will depend on how they were cut. 10-15 percent the wood won't move too much more. The Pinterest inspired tables I build are much narrower and kreg'd. I have yet to build and sell anything other than pine slab tops because of its stability and because of the very issues noted(top finish cracks etc), so this is exciting for me to see come together!
So, you just had to say something, didn't ya HDRock? Greg and I were getting ready to put some finish to the tables last night, and he found a crack, about 6" long, in the underside of one of the tops. Dunno if it's new or if this is just the first time noticing it. It hasn't run to the top or the edge yet, so I'm hoping a pair of dovetail keys will prevent it from ever doing so. Figures - I thought I was finally, completely done with the tables; but now I have to spend a couple more hours on preventative repair measures for a currently hidden defect. On the bright side - finish pics are coming tonight! Just wait until you see these tops - the grain is much curlier than I expected. We went with what I'm calling a "French Polish" for the first coat. Not because of any specific technique that was used- it's more about the sounds we were making while applying it: we were both chortling like a couple of snooty Frenchmen (hoaw hoaw hoaw!! )
Too bad it is taking additional time, but putting up quality work takes time. Would corrugated fasteners help prevent further movement?
That's an excellent idea. I totally forgot about those. It's on the underside, and part of it runs underneath the cleat for attaching the top to the legs - so the time and effort involved in fitting dovetail keys would go largely unnoticed.
Maybe it was already there you just overlooked it. Don't forget, finish all sides equal. Looking forward to seeing a Finish on them
I have seen that stuff several times. It looks like glass and holds up well except for the butt heads that lay a cigarette down on it. No longer an issue here in Maine because there is no smoking in those public areas. I can see it for things that have corners or irregular edges. I still go for the glass. That is just my preference. Consider this. The staff will be wiping the table tops down several times a day. What finish will stand up to that?
Here's the crack - the discoloration of the wood around it leads me to believe it was already there - perhaps a drying defect from the spalting? Before and after: I'm liking how it highlights the quartersawn grain too:
Thanks! Yeah they really don't. It was hard to get a good pic - the colors don't really look quite the same. Ill have to try outdoor lighting once we get them together.
Brother and I built a slab top kitchen table about 3 years ago for his place. He took the top down to a place (Woodworkers Shop) that put that liquid glass type stuff on it. It's really nice stuff, but his wife recently put a tablecloth over it. Boo..Hiss. I should try to get a couple pics again...I don't know what happened to the originals. I'm curious how well it's held up.
