Nakashima Conoid Table: A Masterpiece Of Japanese Woodworking

#nakashimatable #japanesecarpentry #liveedgetable
The Nakashima Conoid table was a design I came across in George Nakashima’s book "The Soul of a Tree." Part memoir, part woodworking manual, and part esoteric philosophical discussion, I found this book to be highly inspirational in choosing my next woodworking project and it definitely qualifies as woodworking art. George Nakashima, a studied and experienced architect, had an appreciation for Japanese architecture and traditional design. George Nakashima's conoid design series specifically is one of the most celebrated furniture series of the 20th century and this live edge table is especially noteworthy. A lot of folks are extremely familiar with the conoid chair, but this conoid trestle style table is incredibly gorgeous and presents its own set of building challenges. So when I looked at his table design, which was both intricate yet subtle, I wanted to find a way to incorporate traditional Japanese joinery aka Japanese timber frame joinery.

This live edge table build features Cuban mahogany for the live edge table top, with live edges being a staple of traditional George Nakashima furniture.The live edge table legs or live edge table base rather, is constructed of 8/4 mahogany (2" thick), that is a slightly darker shade to provide a bit of a contrast. This is not your typical diy dining table, but rather a truly Nakashima inspired table, utilizing angular splay, and a variation on the traditional joint ari shiguchi.

While not a true reproduction of a Nakashima dining table, this live edge wood dining table draws strong inspiration from the traditional Conoid Nakashima table base and hopes to deliver you some non-traditional live edge table base ideas, better than the often overdone farmhouse trestle base. The book matched live edge wood table slabs give this Nakashima inspired table a true authentic feel, that is beyond the standard wood slab dining table. For finish, this live edge slab dining table was done with pure tung oil and this video will show you how to use that extremely simple product for finishing aa live edge table top, no sprayers or fancy finishing devices necessary.

Help support my work through the following affiliate links, all products utilized in the making of this project:

The Real Milk Paint Company's Impressive line of finishing products (Special Affiliate Link):
For 10% off use coupon code: cowdogcraftworks

//Follow along:

[CowDogCraftWorks]

Help support my work through the following affiliate links, all products utilized in the making of this project:
The Real Milk Paint Company's Impressive line of finishing products (Special Affiliate Link):
For 10% off use coupon code: cowdogcraftworks

[josephKEOarthur]

i buy this “soul of a tree book” twice a year. one to give out .. and one to always replace it from my library.

[bubbakav]

Thank you! Enjoyed watching this build and greatly appreciate the amount of handwork involved. Well done!

[parillaworks]

With each video I find myself thinking, “huh, this is some of his best work.” Keep it up!

[dylaniwakuni]

Always a pleasure to watch your beautiful work and listen to your commentary!
Also, you seem to be really enjoying that chisel ;)

[CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Great job, dude. Came out fantastic. Really enjoyed the video.

[Newsolution]

Waw even the work can speak for it self but how you talked about it and describe it tells how much you love your work, Thanks for that 🧡💯🪵and for the inspiration 👍

[kenjones]

George has been my inspiration, , , , wonderful job!!!!

[displaychicken]

You’re a great craftsman. Really nice joinery and hand tool skills

[hugocanepamuskett]

Excellent as all you make. Congrats and greetings from Argentina

[RobertSponsler]

This is a really beautiful table and I learned a lot. Thanks man.

[rogerwoods]

great skills and a super reproduction of a classic design, , fine work, well done

[fletchro]

Awesome build! I like your blend of hand and power tools, and using difficult traditional joinery methods. Much kudos to you!

[ralphspinardi]

Beautiful tribute to a Japanese man who became a American National Treasure. Well done video; entertaining and instructional.

[crispycronch]

Beautiful build and end result. You got me with that finger blasting comment though 🤣

[georgeclam]

That joinery is incredible. Beautiful piece!

[thewoodshop]

Beautiful work, great tribute to Mr. Nakashima's legacy.

[timmarquart]

Awesome job once again!!! Love the table and the wood choice. Keep up the great content my friend.

[walther]

Incredible stuff here... I can’t believe you do all that in that small space.. simply awesome and a video I’ll save... hey.., also an avid bourbon drinker!!!

[KyleBruns]

Absolutely beautiful table and 100% on the Michter's.