Stripping bark off Black Walnut. Always a fun (and dirty job). There will be flying debris, so unless you're looking to get yelled at, be sure to do this away from your pets, neighbours, and significant others.
Belt Sander and a little elbow grease gets off the rough cut saw marks. Ah, now we're getting somewhere. Hand's tingling yet? Get used to it.
Decided to go with a bow tie key to stabilize this big crack. Moisture content of the wood is down to around 7% so I'm not too worried about this crack progressing anymore. But hey, better safe than sorry. Almost ready for the key.
Turned out better then expected. Someone once told me, "First you get good, then you get fast.". I put this principal into place on this job.
And there she is. Black Walnut slab, sitting on early 1900's HW Eclipse adjustable school desk legs. All in a days work, minus the stain... Stay tuned for more.