Jack Reid, Asa-No-Ha Coffee Table (STUDENT 2022)

Student:

Secondary

Name of school or tertiary institution, and name of woodworking teacher (if you have one):

Castle Hill High School, Mr Turner

This coffee table is made from American oak, featuring American hard rock maple. The table is symmetrical, each side consisting of a kumiko pattern sliding door, and a drawer with geometric marquetry. The corner joinery is hand cut mitred dovetails, which were then rounded over for a softer aesthetic. Housing joints were used for the internal vertical partitions, dividing the space into three compartments. The shelf in the middle has been ebonised, a technique I applied using a solution developed using steel wool and vinigar. The Asa-No-Ha kumiko pattern featured on the sliding doors are hand cut. I built specialised kumiko jigs to ensure I was able to create the exact angles and lengths required. I incorporated spindle turning to create oblique tapered legs. The hexagonal geometric marquetry features matching American oak, both natural and died to compliment the timber colours throughout the table. Aluminium sliding door mechanisms were used to ensure a smooth action and is also provides a modern contrast to the traditional techniques used. The table has been sanded to 320 on all surfaces with 2 coats of Osmo polyx semi-clear to add a protective layer and give a high quality finish. This coffee table effectively achieved everything I intended from it and I am very satisfied and impressed with the way it turned out.

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