We have been working on this cantilever table for quite some time. It is really a combination of two different tables that we completed in the past. The curved base was originally done for a large Edina, Minnesota conference room and general cantilever style was done for a company on the East Coast. This table took up residence in a beautiful foursquare in the Kenwood neighborhood of Minneapolis.

The table top shows some fantastic grain patterns that are unique to red elm. Red elm is interesting in that is hides the glue seams between boards exceptionally well. The wood originally came from a barn near Bongards, Minnesota. We re-sawed a large 8×8 beam to pull out just the right stuff. Red elm is a good choice of woods because it is very flexible. Once upon a time, they used red elm for barge decks because it would flex but not break. (they used it for coffins too, but I’m not sure why).

The wood base looks like 2 solid pieces of wood, but is actually a wood cover over 140 pounds of steel. You can see the end-grains still remain. The weight provides solid base so that the tables does not wobble. It also provides very stable attachment for the upright. One the cantilevered side, the top flexes with about 20 pounds of force, but the base does not start tipping until about 100 pounds is applied.

The iron base was crafted by Wyatt Bienfang of WLB Blacksmith Shop. This is the real thing. The metal was hand-hammered in a traditional forge. He did not use a trip-hammer. There is a lot of sweat and muscle in there. The turnbuckle is not only decorative, but functional as well. By turning it, you can adjust the levelness of the table. The level was very close with the base construction, but the turnbuckle provides the fine adjustment.

All in all this is an exceptionally beautiful table. It has a modern form, but traditional work. The colors work absolutely stunningly together.