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#1

TSBB General Talk / Re: Salon table wood recommend...

Last post by Timm R Oday25 - Jan 29, 2026, 10:24 PM

Riley ,I have lots of stainless steel . More than I will ever use in my lifetime .I also have corrugated aluminum sheets . I have no idea what I am going to with either .I also have several large sheets of Corian .
Wood seems to be the only material that has any warmth or character

#2

TSBB General Talk / Re: Salon table wood recommend...

Last post by Riley Smith - Jan 29, 2026, 07:23 PM

Oh, well if THAT be the case what you need is a mirror-polished stainless steel edition. It just so happens that I am well equipped for that venture and will do what I can for you at a greatly discounted price! Be sure and submit the down payment to allow me to get that TIG machine I've been mooning over.

Actually, I'd LOVE to build one. Just need that TIG rig. At the last place I worked I saw several examples of finely finished metal. That's when it is fun, making something BEAUTIFUL. Even if it is within the constraints of a machine.

And yes, I've been nosing around the TIG rigs again.

#3

TSBB General Talk / Re: Salon table wood recommend...

Last post by Timm R Oday25 - Jan 29, 2026, 11:48 AM

Thank you for giving me your thoughts and opinions on this . Luckily for me cost isn't an issue . Especially when I only need 5 square feet

#4

TSBB General Talk / Re: Salon table wood recommend...

Last post by Frank B. - Jan 29, 2026, 09:33 AM

For contrast, this is the same batch of cherry with the 11 step lacquer based finish which includes stains, toners, dry brushing, sealers and final finishes.  Sounds like a lot but because it is lacquer based it can be done in a long day.  For a table top I would never recommend lacquer or plain varnish, poly is much more durable and won't soften from washing it down with a soapy rag.You cannot view this attachment.

#5

TSBB General Talk / Re: Salon table wood recommend...

Last post by Frank B. - Jan 29, 2026, 08:35 AM

Here is an example of Cherry that has only had water based poly, no stainYou cannot view this attachment..  It is a corner cabinet for the Mexico Beach Hurricane Michael rebuild back in 2020. 

You cannot view this attachment.

#6

TSBB General Talk / Re: Salon table wood recommend...

Last post by Chris Muthig - Jan 29, 2026, 07:25 AM

I love cherry as well, you could also do the holly/teak marine ply, I like that look.  I've been looking for holly/teak, it's quite expensive.  I'm hoping someone with a huge stash of it lists it on marketplace, and I can get a sheet of it cheaper.  I built my rudder stock and blade on my 17' siren out of butternut, I really liked how that came out.  I also used Padauk for my winch step, that's a great wood, but if you sand it alot, you come out looking like you murdered a cheeto.

#7

TSBB General Talk / Re: Salon table wood recommend...

Last post by Frank B. - Jan 29, 2026, 07:01 AM

As an experienced woodworker who has worked with all of the above mentioned species, I have a preference for Cherry.  it is relatively tight grained, hard enough to not dent easily, but soft enough to be easy on tools.  I've finished it with an eleven step lacquer based finish which gives it a not brand new look if you know what that means.  But more recently I've used just a high quality water based polyurethane without any stain, that does not amber the natural color of the wood.  I really like it.  I've also used walnut with that same finish and really like it. 

The Oaks are a little tough to deal with on a big surface project because of the grain fill required.

Poplar and soft maple (you can get it soft which I think is sap wood portion) will dent to easily for a table.

Understand that the finish I've mentioned will produce the lightest version of any wood you choose, but all of them will darken over time with exposure to light.

#8

TSBB General Talk / Re: Salon table wood recommend...

Last post by Riley Smith - Jan 28, 2026, 05:37 PM

With aged eyes I have revised my preference to lighter woods. Have you thought about cypress? Getting some grain also might be a problem there but it finishes really fine. It IS relatively soft and will dent. And split. Has held up for a long time on a vanity top I made though.

#9

TSBB General Talk / Salon table wood recommendatio...

Last post by Timm R Oday25 - Jan 28, 2026, 04:17 PM

Our salon table is no overdue for an upgrade . I'm confident in my skills as a woodworker . Where I am stuck is in what wood would best serve

the purpose . Being a model from 1981 , there is a not a great deal of natural lighting .

The lighter woods , Maple, Ash, Poplardon'tseem to have much grain to show .

Red oak seems done to death . Mahogany seems to be my only locally available choice.

Is there a wood that might work better ? Thank you

#10

West Wight Potter Yachts / Re: Richmond-Angel Island Tune...

Last post by DCandey - Jan 28, 2026, 01:24 AM

Looks like a good group!  Feel free to contact me if need assistance in your tune up.