Before and After-Walnut Crotch Slab

Here we see Jeff Nilson of Nilson Winter Construction create an amazing coffee table out of two slabs of Black Walnut crotch.

(Black Walnut Crotch)

Jeff and his client came into the shop one day looking for a unique slab to construct a one of a kind coffee table.

His client fell in love with the above walnut slab but needed a top that was a bit wider than this slab would allow.

Rather than pass on this slab and just look for something wider but with less figure, Jeff decided to take a second crotch slab and just piece together a top that gave the client exactly what he desired.

(The second Walnut slab used for extra material)

(Jeff's initial plans for the construction of the top)

Below is the amazing finished table Jeff created.

It always amazes us how the best craftsmen almost always seem to embrace the challenges that go along with woodworking in order to create stunning pieces such as the table below.

We just love the way he matched up the natural curves of each slab and ended up with a top that looks like one solid piece at first glance.

Talk about a unique looking table!




His client was able to use the slab that he initially selected while still maintaining the desired dimensions of his coffee table.


The next picture shows just how skilled one has to be to accomplish something like this. Look at the curves of the sap line!

Careful cuts combined with immaculate joints will get you something that looks simple but in fact is very complex in its construction.



This goes to show that you don't always have to be on that endless search for that "perfect" piece for your project.

We think dealing with these small irregularities is what makes working with wood so unique and fun!

Remember this isn't a static medium such as metal or plastic and sometimes mother nature doesn't spit out those "perfect" pieces of wood.

Yet with a some creativity and a little help from skilled woodworkers such as Jeff Nilson, you may find out that that perfect piece has been sitting there right in front of you all along.

To learn more about Jeff Nilson's work, please visit his website-
www.nilsonwinter.com