Walnut Crotch Heiko Coffee Table

Solid live edge walnut top featuring high compression figuring, two inlaid walnut dovetail Dutchman joints, and wedged through tenon joinery marrying the top to the solid walnut reverse tapered base (original and unique to Philomath Woodworks).

 

Proprietary Philomath LinBee Finish - a natural blend of linseed oil and Montana beeswax (for more details please see LinBee product page).

 

This table is in my Heiko series, Heiko meaning equilibrium or even scale. In this series, the top is intentionally placed at the point at which it naturally balances on the base or Chushin (meaning center, heart, core, focus). Because live edge tops vary in width and density, it's always interesting to discover where that balancing point actually is. The balancing point is never exactly in the middle, therefore creating a delicate tension between the Chushin and the inherent energy of the live edge top. Gravity determines the point of balance as well as the overall design and energy of the table.

 

Original and unique to Philomath Woodworks is the use of wedged mortise and tenon joinery. This joint marries the tapered base to the live edge top. Woodworkers around the world have used the mortise and tenon joint for thousands of years to join pieces of wood, mainly when the adjoining pieces connect at right angles, which also gives an attractive look. The mortise and tenon joint is considered to be one of the strongest joints next to the common dovetail joint, and is difficult to make due to the precise and tight cutting required. In its most basic form, a mortise and tenon joint is both simple and strong. I then go one step further by chiseling a second mortise into the through tenon that then accepts a wedge. The wedge locks the top to the base in a beautiful display of simplicity and craftsmanship.

 

Inlaid double dovetailed (Dutchman) joints are used to stabilize inherent cracks found in the live edge top. These joints are not only beautiful, they are extremely strong and useful to prevent further cracking or warping.