Sliced Twig Table with Jimmy DiResta | Build It | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor builds a table with Jimmy DiResta, a maker who’s famous online for how-to videos.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House:
Check out Jimmy's channel for more:
Time: 3 hours
Cost: $75
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools:
Bandsaw
Welder
Grinder
Table saw
Hot glue gun
Belt sander
Paintbrush
Shopping List:
1” angle iron
_” round bar stock steel
MDF
Tree branches
Hot glue sticks
2-part epoxy
Low grit sandpaper
Acetone
Rags
Foam brush
Chemical blackener
Spray lacquer
Painters tape
Steps:
1. Cut the angle iron to length, in this case 16”. Next, make L-shaped cuts on both ends of two of the pieces.
2. Cut the round bar stock to length, in this case 16”.
3. Weld the angle iron into a frame. Smooth out the welds with a grinder.
4. Weld the _” round bar stock to the frame as legs.
5. Cut out a piece of MDF to fit the size of the metal frame. Grind off a small chunk of the four corners to ensure a tight fit over the welded joints.
6. Place the MDF in the tray. It should be recessed at least _” to leave room for the slices.
7. Cut the tree branches up into small slices on the band saw. Be sure to cut branches with a variety of diameters.
8. Seal the gap between the MDF and the metal frame with hot glue.
9. Pour a generous amount of 2-part epoxy on top of the MDF and spread it out until the top is completely covered.
10. Place the wood slices on top of the table. Let the table cure for two hours.
11. Once the epoxy has set, sand the table smooth using a belt sander, then a palm sander.
12. Finish the top with more of the 2-part epoxy. Apply it with a paintbrush and let it cure for 24 hours.
13. Lightly sand the metal frame and legs and clean it up with acetone using the rags.
14. Apply the chemical blackener to the legs with the foam brush.
15. Finish off the metal frame and legs with the spray-on lacquer. Use painter’s tape on the slice top to protect it while spraying.
Resources:
Most of the materials Jimmy and Kevin used to make the table, including the stock steel and mdf board can all be found at home centers. Jimmy used sticks from his backyard for the wood slices.
The two-part epoxy that Jimmy used for the top is Famowood Glaze Coat, manufactured by Eclectic Products (/ ).
Jimmy used welding equipment and safety gear manufactured by Lincoln Electric ( ).
About Build It:
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, and special guests including Jimmy DiResta, take you through step-by-step DIY projects in this popular video series. From end-tables to cutting boards to wine racks to chicken coops and more, learn how to build from the best pros in the game. Segments include mention of all tools and materials needed to get the job done.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:
Facebook:
Twitter:
Pinterest:
Instagram:
Tumblr:
For more on This Old House and Ask This Old House, visit us at:
Sliced Twig Table with Jimmy DiResta | Build It | Ask This Old House
/