A table is such a wonderful symbol of connection and gathering. For me, it represents family, community, and hospitality.
Years ago, I came across a River Table crafted by someone, and I was instantly captivated; I was hooked! I started by making my own kitchen table, then created a table for my daughter’s college room, and even made a dining room table for a friend.
I thought it would be a fantastic idea to donate one to the Pawling Community Foundation Gala, so I teamed up with my longtime friend, the incredibly talented craftsman and fellow Board Member, John Rickert.
That year, we managed to raise nearly $5,000 for the Pawling Community Foundation—what a rewarding experience! Creating a River Table is definitely a labor of love.
We begin with two large raw slabs of wood and mill them down to ensure they are nice and even. Then comes the fun part: building a massive mold to hold the slabs!
For a River Table, we need the slabs to lie completely flat. We use a router on a sled to smooth out any high spots. Once that’s done, we clamp the slabs tightly in the mold—if we don’t, they could buckle while curing.
Next up, we mix a two-part epoxy and pour it into the mold, using a bit of heat to help pop any bubbles that appear in the first twenty-four hours. We keep pouring more epoxy until the mold is completely filled, and then we just have to patiently wait for it to dry for a week—definitely not a project to rush!
Once cured, we pry the slab out of the mold. Sanding epoxy can be tough since it’s so hard, so we use an aggressive disc grinder and then a belt sander to make everything uniform.
A finish sander helps prepare the slab for its finish, and we take the time to route the edges for a smooth look. It’s not uncommon to spend two days sanding!
Finally, we apply a durable two-part resin finish with a trowel and polish it with a buffer before attaching the legs. It’s thrilling to see the table ready for its new home!
What started as a hobby has blossomed into something special that we can share with our community while raising money in the process. I absolutely love that John and I can use our skills and experiences to make a positive impact together!
