The Nakashima Conoid Table | Woodworking Art | Japanese Woodworking
The Nakashima Conoid Table | Woodworking Art | Japanese Woodworking
#nakashimatable #japanesecarpentry #liveedgetable
The Nakashima Conoid table was a design I came across in George Nakashima’s book “The Soul of a Tree.” Part memoir, part woodworking manual, and part esoteric philosophical discussion, I found this book to be highly inspirational in choosing my next woodworking project and it definitely qualifies as woodworking art. George Nakashima, a studied and experienced architect, had an appreciation for Japanese architecture and traditional design. George Nakashima’s conoid design series specifically is one of the most celebrated furniture series of the 20th century and this live edge table is especially noteworthy. A lot of folks are extremely familiar with the conoid chair, but this conoid trestle style table is incredibly gorgeous and presents its own set of building challenges. So when I looked at his table design, which was both intricate yet subtle, I wanted to find a way to incorporate traditional Japanese joinery aka Japanese timber frame joinery.
This live edge table build features Cuban mahogany for the live edge table top, with live edges being a staple of traditional George Nakashima furniture.The live edge table legs or live edge table base rather, is constructed of 8/4 mahogany (2″ thick), that is a slightly darker shade to provide a bit of a contrast. This is not your typical diy dining table, but rather a truly Nakashima inspired table, utilizing angular splay, and a variation on the traditional joint ari shiguchi.
While not a true reproduction of a Nakashima dining table, this live edge wood dining table draws strong inspiration from the traditional Conoid Nakashima table base and hopes to deliver you some non-traditional live edge table base ideas, better than the often overdone farmhouse trestle base. The book matched live edge wood table slabs give this Nakashima inspired table a true authentic feel, that is beyond the standard wood slab dining table. For finish, this live edge slab dining table was done with pure tung oil and this video will show you how to use that extremely simple product for finishing aa live edge table top, no sprayers or fancy finishing devices necessary.
Help support my work through the following affiliate links, all products utilized in the making of this project:
The Real Milk Paint Company’s Impressive line of finishing products (Special Affiliate Link):
https://www.realmilkpaint.com/ref/cowdogcraftworks/
For 10% off use coupon code: cowdogcraftworks
-Starbond CA Glues (Special Affiliate Link): https://bit.ly/36sB2Bv
-Western Saws Sourced from Florip Toolworks (Non-affiliate): https://floriptoolworks.com/
RIDGID 1-Layer Standard Pleated Paper Filter for Most 5 Gal. and Larger RIDGID Wet/Dry Shop Vacuums (2-Pack): https://homedepot.sjv.io/gvD1O
14 Gal. 6.0-Peak HP NXT Shop Vacuum: https://homedepot.sjv.io/qrj1O
RIDGID 9 Gal. 18-Volt Cordless Shop Vacuum: https://homedepot.sjv.io/oQaNm
The Soul of a Tree: A Woodworker’s Reflections (Book): https://amzn.to/3sSEmAt
The Complete Japanese Joinery (Book): https://amzn.to/2OAj1sM
Center Punch: https://amzn.to/3fSQsCj
Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: https://amzn.to/2ZATrKg
Solid Brass Wheel Marking Gauge: https://amzn.to/3jfDFfR
DFM Tool Works Card Scraper Set: https://amzn.to/2CMZp1W
DFM Tool Works Card Scraper Burnisher: https://amzn.to/2ZAwzuv
DFM Tool Works Small Square and Center Finder: https://amzn.to/3jfFdXd
Glu-bot Glue Bottle: https://amzn.to/2CdxYOV
Mineral Spirits: https://amzn.to/31xTBmG
Dewalt Compact Drill: https://amzn.to/3ht3tng
Metric Japanese Style Carpenter’s Square: https://amzn.to/35kC3fG
Rok Hardware 14 Gauge Table Top Fasteners with Screws: https://amzn.to/38CzW94
Mini Square 10x5cm: https://amzn.to/36mtcti
Faber-Castell Ecco Pigment 0.1 mm Pen: https://amzn.to/36oLni8
Pentel Mechanical Pencil: https://amzn.to/36uqbab
If you want access to more tools, check out my amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/cowdogcraftworks
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Website: http://www.cowdogcraftworks.com
I love this. this is a great piece of work!
Would you be able to attach the slab top to the base using sliding dovetails?
Loved the music, the tips and tricks, and the table turned out BEAUTIFULLY! This did not suck, my friend.😉
This was an incredible-beautiful build! Thank you for sharing.
cool table! I was wondering how you prep your surfaces for finishing, is it all plane finished or do you sand to specific grits before hand?
This is just a 20 minute flex
This only has 721 views because you push saws instead of pulling them.
Seriously though, great work both on the table and the video.
How are you buying live edge slabs but can’t buy a jointer? Cart before the horse my friend. I hope after selling that piece you could get a jointer.
Excellent as all you make. Congrats and greetings from Argentina
Such a beautiful table. Really great work 👍
I’m a little confused because I already follow you and know of you but I feel like this is the first video of yours I’ve seen. I’ll have to go back in the catalog and see what’s familiar. Anyway, I’m very impressed and inspired. Incredible work, great use of hand tools and power tools in concert. Excellent finished product.
Very nicely done. Thanks!
Spot on! The Soul of a Tree is an excellent book. ✔
Awesome job once again!!! Love the table and the wood choice. Keep up the great content my friend.
George has been my inspiration,,,, wonderful job!!!!
Good
Killer work my man
This is a really beautiful table and I learned a lot. Thanks man.
The joinery on this is incredible
Great work.
Absolutely beautiful table and 100% on the Michter’s.
NOICE JOB!!!!!
Help support my work through the following affiliate links, all products utilized in the making of this project:
The Real Milk Paint Company’s Impressive line of finishing products (Special Affiliate Link):
https://www.realmilkpaint.com/ref/cowdogcraftworks/
For 10% off use coupon code: cowdogcraftworks
-Starbond CA Glues (Special Affiliate Link): https://bit.ly/36sB2Bv
-Western Saws Sourced from Florip Toolworks (Non-affiliate): https://floriptoolworks.com/
RIDGID 1-Layer Standard Pleated Paper Filter for Most 5 Gal. and Larger RIDGID Wet/Dry Shop Vacuums (2-Pack): https://homedepot.sjv.io/gvD1O
14 Gal. 6.0-Peak HP NXT Shop Vacuum: https://homedepot.sjv.io/qrj1O
RIDGID 9 Gal. 18-Volt Cordless Shop Vacuum: https://homedepot.sjv.io/oQaNm
The Soul of a Tree: A Woodworker’s Reflections (Book): https://amzn.to/3sSEmAt
The Complete Japanese Joinery (Book): https://amzn.to/2OAj1sM
Center Punch: https://amzn.to/3fSQsCj
Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: https://amzn.to/2ZATrKg
Solid Brass Wheel Marking Gauge: https://amzn.to/3jfDFfR
DFM Tool Works Card Scraper Set: https://amzn.to/2CMZp1W
DFM Tool Works Card Scraper Burnisher: https://amzn.to/2ZAwzuv
DFM Tool Works Small Square and Center Finder: https://amzn.to/3jfFdXd
Glu-bot Glue Bottle: https://amzn.to/2CdxYOV
Mineral Spirits: https://amzn.to/31xTBmG
Dewalt Compact Drill: https://amzn.to/3ht3tng
Metric Japanese Style Carpenter’s Square: https://amzn.to/35kC3fG
Rok Hardware 14 Gauge Table Top Fasteners with Screws: https://amzn.to/38CzW94
Mini Square 10x5cm: https://amzn.to/36mtcti
Faber-Castell Ecco Pigment 0.1 mm Pen: https://amzn.to/36oLni8
Pentel Mechanical Pencil: https://amzn.to/36uqbab
If you want access to more tools, check out my amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/cowdogcraftworks
very Nice job
Great job, dude. Came out fantastic. Really enjoyed the video.
Looks awesome man!
Incredible stuff here… I can’t believe you do all that in that small space.. simply awesome and a video I’ll save… hey.., also an avid bourbon drinker!!!
Awesome build! I like your blend of hand and power tools, and using difficult traditional joinery methods. Much kudos to you!
Amazing work dude! You added just the right amount of pegging and finger blasting to keep my attention. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Fine. I watched your video. You win.
Great video, lovely fine work and amazing finished table. Love the joints, which as an architect I really do appreciate! m/
I know you used 8/4 hardwood, but what width/height did you use for the supports/stretcher? 3” or 4” maybe? I’ve watched this a handful of times now. Truly inspiring work. My wife loves it and I’m going to try my best to make one for our new home. I’ll buy the plans if you sell them.
Always a pleasure to watch your beautiful work and listen to your commentary!
Also, you seem to be really enjoying that chisel 😉
Great work! One questionen: what kind of liquid do you put on your wood while chiseling. Just water to make the grain softer or something special?
Thank you!
Great work man! Keep it up
Like your work Man. Inspired Thanks. Subscribed. Read Soul of a Tree last night. I’m on my way.
Truly solid build and results. The time and effort certainly well invested.
Hi there, I like your table a lot! Have you build it for yourself or for a customer? How do you prevent the table top from cupping? Maybe I have missed this part. Thank you!
You’re a great craftsman. Really nice joinery and hand tool skills
Have to appreciate anyone who drops an Office Space reference to add to the woodworking skills. Still building my hand tools quiver but looking forward to attempting this someday.
Beautiful design and build man! I really dig this one!
I now before true master keep it up.👍🌺🛫
Neat. A few questions: 1. Can you smoke that hemp oil? 2. Do you know how adorable you are counselor? I think I’ve said the same thing on a previous video comment section. 3. Do you know how much daddy misses you? That mahogany is rich. You did it great justice. YouTube crammed a couple of ads in there. Hopefully you get a check.
Beautiful build and end result. You got me with that finger blasting comment though 🤣
How far do you go on finishing the underside of a table or bench top? I’ve been finishing mine as nicely as the top but it seems a wasted effort at times….
do you have drawings for this table??
Yeah dude! Turned out awesome
With each video I find myself thinking, “huh, this is some of his best work.” Keep it up!
HAHAAA that Office Space reference was amazing!
The two dislikes are from IKEA and Kreg.
That joinery is incredible. Beautiful piece!
All that beautiful joinery and you finish it by attaching the top with a piece of metal. I’m not sure how I feel about that.
Beautiful work, truly inspiring! I subscribed, man, I’m digging your vibe!