Detail of Black cherry inlayed end table
Front view of end table with folding leaf down
This graceful end table was actually designed by my sister. The inlayed stars are made out of curly maple, sometimes called Tiger maple, and highly figured black walnut. There is one large star on the bottom shelf, four medium sized stars across the front folding leaf section, and four smaller stars inlayed in the four corners of the top. This black cherry table, like all cherry which is photosensitive, will grow darker with age.
Side view with folding leaf down
The four stars across the front leaf of this table are of particular interest. Rather than being hand planed flush with the surface, they are actually in relief. They have been individually faceted so that they catch the light.
Raised leaf.
Another view of this graceful table. A hidden wooden mechanism beneath the table holds the leaf up if required. Though graceful, this table is incredibly strong. Like all of my work, it is mortised and tenoned together or doweled. In this case, the dowel plugs are faceted black walnut.
Star inlays shown being pieced together.
Here are the smaller star inlays as they are glued together. These small pieces are particularly difficult to cut accurately, but if they are not cut accurately, you will immediately see the gaps during glue-up. As with brass inlays, these wooden inlays are beveled 2 degrees so that they fit snugly into the cherry base.
Small star inlays shown after being glued in
Here you see two small star inlays. One is already inset into the cherry top. The other is placed on the top to provide scale to the viewer. At this point a very sharp hand plane is used to trim the star down flush with the surface.
Large and medium star inlays.
The large star is inset into the lower shelf.
