Damn I am glad to be done with varnish

Sonny3

If you look too closely there are a few imperfections to be found.  Hey, I am not a furniture builder.  But from the way the flag and can are reflected in the top, I am happy with the final coat of varnish.  I am done and done with varnish and don't care to ever try  it again except under extreme duress.  Now I am calling to schedule delivery of my XL and Med Eggs.  Enough with the research and furniture building, I am more than ready to start cooking and becoming an Egghead.

scottn83

Nice

Toxarch

Sure looks good. How many coats did you do?

henapple

Sweet 

Sonny3

Thank you guys.  I put 4 coats on the base and 5 coats on the tops.  It had better hold up for a while, cause I ain't doing it again anytime soon.  My biggest worry now is the Egg delivery guys scratching the top.  That thought woke me up a few times last night thinking about them screwing up my table.  In fact I am seriously thinking about putting off delivery for a few days, just to give it more time to harden.

Toxarch

Take some blue masking tape and cover the top of the table with it.

Grillin_beers

Way to jump right in and buy two eggs! 

QingEsq

Really nice set up.  Looking forward to seeing your cooks.

QDude

If you didn't finish the underside of the table top, you should do that before the egg is installed.  This will prevent warping of the top.

blasting

@Sonny3   Nice looking table and congrats on the stereo eggs!

Do I dare ask, how long is a beautiful finish like that good for outdoors?  I'm a woodworker, but everything I do is indoor - I know very little about outdoor finishes.

Sonny3

QDude said:

If you didn't finish the underside of the table top, you should do that before the egg is installed.  This will prevent warping of the top.

The first thing I did when I started to varnish was take the top off of the legs and turn everything over.  I put four coats of varnish on the underside of the top and all sides of the leg and shelf structure.  Then I put the top back on and went through the coat and sand process to give the top 5 coats.  I am sick and tired of varnish for sure.

blasting said:

@Sonny3   Nice looking table and congrats on the stereo eggs!

Do I dare ask, how long is a beautiful finish like that good for outdoors?  I'm a woodworker, but everything I do is indoor - I know very little about outdoor finishes.

Not being a wood worker, I really can't answer you question about how long it will hold up.  I can tell you that I used Marine grade Spar Varnish (like they use on boats).  The guy that built my cypress egg table (he builds about 2-3k a year) is the one that told me to be sure and use Marine varnish.  I have to think he knew what he was talking about.

mick7607

Toxarch said:

Take some blue masking tape and cover the top of the table with it.

NOOOO!!! Unless the varnish is well cured, even painters tape could possibly lift the finish. Obtain some clean, flat sheets of cardboard and lay on the table during installation.

Toxarch

OK, ignore my suggestion. It isn't wise advice.

Sonny3

Thanks guys.  I talked with the Egg place today about delivery for Friday.  Also mentioned my concern about the table.  They said no problem.  Once they lift it up they (3 guys) go straight in the hole without putting it on the table.  They also said they would repair damage if any.  But you can bet I will be standing by with a piece of cardboard just in case.

texaswig

Nice work. Looks like all the hard work paid off. 

HoustonEgger

Friday should be enough time to cure well because I imagine you've cured between coats as you went along - just keep it indoors (or at least out of any rain) during that time.

3 guys should get them in there no problem - a moving blanket should give you extra protection just in case.

Sonny3

I hope I cured them enough between coats.  I followed the directions on the can and let them dry at least 24 hours between coats.  If I started to sand them and started seeing little gummy balls, I quit and left them for another day.  Today marks two weeks since I started the project. 

For the most part because of the humidity here in FL, I kept them in the garage with an AC running to draw out the moisture and keep the temp at about 78-80.  I guess I will find out if I did it right when I bring them out on Friday.

But there is no turning back now.  I actually bought the Eggs when there was a sale going on the last day of May.  Those people have had my money long enough, now I want my Eggs.  I am ready to start cooking.

Chubby

Sonny3 said:

QDude said:

If you didn't finish the underside of the table top, you should do that before the egg is installed.  This will prevent warping of the top.

The first thing I did when I started to varnish was take the top off of the legs and turn everything over.  I put four coats of varnish on the underside of the top and all sides of the leg and shelf structure.  Then I put the top back on and went through the coat and sand process to give the top 5 coats.  I am sick and tired of varnish for sure.

blasting said:

@Sonny3   Nice looking table and congrats on the stereo eggs!

Do I dare ask, how long is a beautiful finish like that good for outdoors?  I'm a woodworker, but everything I do is indoor - I know very little about outdoor finishes.

Not being a wood worker, I really can't answer you question about how long it will hold up.  I can tell you that I used Marine grade Spar Varnish (like they use on boats).  The guy that built my cypress egg table (he builds about 2-3k a year) is the one that told me to be sure and use Marine varnish.  I have to think he knew what he was talking about.

That is a table to be proud of and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
To the question about longevity of the finish, some of that depends on whether or not it's exposed to direct sunlight. If so you will get yellowing...( and some checking of the finish) in a more extreme cases.
If you can keep it out of the direct sunlight by shading it during hot sun conditions... that would beneficial... and prolong the beauty of the finish.