Live Edge Slab Showcase: The Finishing Touches
The conclusion of Rustic Lumber’s Live Edge Slab Showdown is imminent. Most of the contestants have finished or are placing the finishing touches. So their complete works will soon be assessed and ranked to determine the winner of this friendly competition. All in all, it has been a wonderful showcase of these artisans’ skills, talents and also the beauty of the live edge slab medium they are working with. So here are the updates:
James Brough’s Finished Slab
Kayesville, Utah’s James Brough has just finished his waterfall slab. Everything has been sanded, the adjustable feet have been installed along with the mount for the legs. The waterfall desk is done and looks amazing, with the live edge slab’s natural wood patterns and grain coming to life for all to see. This emphasizes the wood’s natural beauty as well as James’ creativity.
Nate Halverson’s River Slab
East Idaho’s Nate Halverson has finished his slab which has a great river effect that goes through the table and also sports modern legs. It looks like an overhead shot of a vast landscape, where the color of the wood resembles that of a desert. This contrasts with the blue “river” design flowing through it. It uses blue epoxy on top for the river with an epoxy coating over the full slab and then a modern base in black with a steel bar going through. The design is very original and is a testament to Nate’s artistry.
Matt Haberkom’s Adjustable Slab is Finished
Colorado’s Matt Haberkom has just finished his live edge slab table with adjusting legs. The final product is revealed by Cali from MRH Reclaim Design, who elaborates on the details of the finished live-edge maple desk. She shows how Matt rounded the edges. He also used the Shou Sugi Ban technique to produce the darkened spots and lines, creating intricate and alluring patterns that highlight features of the wood. Cali explains that he used a blow torch to create the pretty dark color that really brings out the cracks in the wood. There is some epoxy in the bird’s eye. The whole table was oil finished with buffalo wax.
It is supported by iron legs that used to be I-beams on a truck bed. Adjustable quarter edge strap irons located at the upper part of the legs to make the adjustment process easier and more structurally sound compared to designs with tiny feet or separate components at the base. Especially for large pieces of furniture. The footage shows the assembly process and all those who partook in the creation. Including adorable younger members of the family.
Roger Casey Does the Finishing Touches
One of the most elaborate projects, Roger’s Game of Thrones chair is just about done. The footage shows Roger putting the first coat of polyurethane. He explains that he already blew everything off and wiped down the wood. Then he adds that he always uses his bare hands to feel the wood surface and wipe. He says it picks up more particles and allows him to feel the surface better. Then he elaborates on concocting diluted polyurethane to have better penetration into the wood. He outlines his coating and sanding process before commencing. Afterwards he surveys his creation and takes in the magnitude of the project, the effort put in, the creativity and innovation that went into creating his striking Game of Thrones chair. It is actually a tipping chair, a very heavy one that can tip like a lightweight kitchen chair. It is visually impressive and very comfortable.
Live Edge Slab Showcase Journey Nears Its End
The next video will be the final one in which the Live Edge Slab Showcase concludes with the announcement of the winner. This friendly competition has been a joy and a true exhibition of skill, craftsmanship and artistry. So this will not only entertain aficionados of the craft but also provide more than a few lessons.
