Simpson Tie End Tables

While i was shopping at our local building supply store this past summer I came across a package. It was a Simpson Work Bench or Shelving Hardware Kit. 🙂

So I already made a workbench but i wanted to try something a little different and use a new technique i saw called torching. 🙂  And if you know me and even if you don’t know me yet you’ll soon know that i don’t always follow the rules. 🙂  It seems that the torching technique is very old.

The term “Shou-Sugi-Ban” is Japanese (焼杉板) and literally translates to “burnt cedar board”. The term is commonly used to describe the centuries old Japanese technique of charring “Sugi” (cedar) planks used for residential siding, fencing, and decking projects.

So i decided to make a couple of end tables using this technique.  So i determined what size i wanted and took measurements off  an end table we had inside.

I used a simple propane torch that I had on hand, and a spray bottle standing by.  I only lightly torched the wood and used the spray to put out any flames.

I torched each piece individually.

For this project i made a list of all the materials i needed.

2×4’s  – 8 at 8ft each   $25.00

4 Simpson Ties per table or 1 Box Simpson Workbench Kit $50.00

For the Top of the side table i had some re-claimed cedar fence boards on hand. So I decided to use the same process on them as i did on the legs. And WOW was i ever pleased with the results .

The next step was assembling the base, which was extremely easy using the Simpson Ties.

When i was starting to assemble the base, I discovered the easiest way way to do it upside down !! That way everything stays in relatively the proper position and the top of the table is flush when your ready to attach the top. 🙂

The top was a little bit more of a challenge since nothing ever goes exactly accordingly to plan.  I was using re-claimed fence boards.

3 full boards was going to almost work but i needed a couple small pieces of 1 inch filler board.  So I made a jig that i could use to cut a small strip of ceder board.

I used my handy Back & Decker Matrix multi tool with the circular saw attachment.

 

After all the boards were cut and attached with finishing nails I decided that a coat of Triple Thick Varathane was the perfect finish since i wanted to keep the grain look.

FINISHED PRODUCT