Tilt-top Table Project
QUICK LINKS: Epic Store • Online Courses and Plans
This Tilt-top table features beautiful flowing curves, from the molded edge of the round top, to the bold bottle-shaped column, and sweeping curved lines of the legs. It is the perfect place for a leisurely breakfast for two. The top unlocks and tilts up so it can conveniently nest in the corner, displaying the highly figured curly maple top.
In this Course, Tom walks you through each part of the build — from choosing materials, to all the facets of constructing the column, to laying out the boards for the top – all the way through to considerations around the finishing process. Each session provides what you need to come through successful on this project!
Dimensions: 36”D x 30”H
Course topics include:
- Selecting great materials
- Material preparation strategies
- Making curved patterns from full-sized drawings
- Turning techniques on the lathe
- Clever jig for making sliding dovetails
- Making and fitting sliding dovetails on a router table
- Approach to making great tabletops
- Routing a custom table edge
- Creating perfect wedged tenon joinery
- Making a pivoting mortise and tenon
- Attaching cleats to keep things flat
- Glue-up and assembly strategies
- Techniques for finishing, including curly maple
FUN FACT — This is an original design by Tom, custom-made for a TV show called Classic Woodworking. It is featured on Season 1, Episode 11 of the series which can be seen on PBS TV, Create TV, Amazon Prime, and YouTube TV.
Questions? Click green square for more
ONLINE COURSE FAQs
Is it worth watching even if I don’t build along with Tom?
Absolutely, in fact we recommend you do! Whether or not you plan to build the piece, there’s a lot to learn about woodworking, and furniture making, including tips, techniques, and tricks shared from Tom’s over 30 years of experience — peppered in along with a bit of light humor as well. After all, this is supposed to be fun right!?
How long do I have access to the Sessions?
If you purchase the Course you have UNLIMITED access to the sessions — you can watch them anytime, as often as you like.
What do I need to access the Sessions?
All you need is a device with internet connectivity, such as a desktop or laptop computer, tablet or smartphone, etc. In addition, it is necessary to use the Chrome browser to consistently navigate the more sophisticated scripts on present on membership sites.
I’m not very tech savvy… is it easy?
You will be given easy to follow instructions on how to access every session. We are here to help you figure it out so worry not.
Are the sessions downloadable, or available on any other storage media?
For many reasons we have chosen to make them available via an online platform only.
FULL-SIZE PLANS FAQs
What kind of information do the Plans provide?
These are printed copies of Tom’s original design, hand-drawn plans, just like he makes for himself before building most projects. They note all the specifications, dimensions and helpful points of view for completing the piece.
Is there information provided about the materials I’ll need and how much?
Yes, in fact each set of plans comes with a cut list, and recommendations for finishing as well.
How big are the plans?
They are printed onto 36×48 sheets and will arrive at your door in a tube which assists with safe delivery and also provides a sturdy receptacle for future storage.
We choose to deliver in a tube versus folding the Plans so you do not have to deal with creases that impact your view of the contents on the page.
Does Tom create these using CAD?
No, he hand draws every component of the elements included on the Plans. He has worked with SketchUp in the past and though he knows it to be a great tool, prefers depicting curved elements in particular by hand.
Can I get the plans in digital format?
Good question, however we do not provide our Plans in digital format. It’s one small way we attempt to maintain the integrity of the intellectual property withing the project build experience.
Rather, we prefer to offer the physical product so the parts you will be making to fulfill the project are represented in actual size.
Why did your Plans go up in price in 2023?
The USPS added a surcharge to the shipping charge for items longer that 22″ which applies directly to the tubes in which we send the Plans. We conisdered the option of folding them, but find that it ruins the experience with them as they arrive creased and wrinkled in ways that the tube can generally diminish.
SUPPORT DURING THE BUILD
What if I have questions during the Course?
No problem, this is why we have The Neighborwood community which gives you access to Tom and many fellow woodworkers via a private forum.
You can post your questions in the Private Forum and get input directly from Tom and other Neighbors as needed. In fact, you can even ask question about any project you’re working on, and post pictures of your completed work for everyone to celebrate with you!
I’m not very tech savvy, is the Forum tricky?
Not at all, and we’re happy to help you learn how to use it. We’re all learning as we go, and once you get the hang of it… you’ll love it!
How can I learn more about The Neighborwood?
If you’re curious for how it all got started, and how it works, click here.
If you’re looking more for logistics and how to purchase, click here.