Burr Oak Refectory table by Furgus Parsons
Burr Oak refectory table by Furgus Parsons.
A burr is a dense group of interwoven small knots where branches have started, but not continued to grow. When cut in a certain way, these give a very interesting and decorative appearance to the timber. Burr Oak is much prized amongst cabinet makers.
This refectory table, of "cleat board" design, shows burr Oak at its best. The "cleat board" type of construction is made up of boards running the length of the top, which are jointed into a board at each end, which in turn holds all together. There is a caulked jointing seam (just like the deck of a boat) between the long boards, which allows the wood to move with changes of humidity, and makes a top surface which is "spilt drinks tight"!
This closeup of the burr Oak refectory table
shows the pattern of the burrs, and the cleat board with
dowels holding the top tightly together. The caulked
joints allowing for expansion and contraction of the
boards can also be seen.
Furgus' workshop is in Stoke Climsland, Cornwall, UK
and he can be contacted on 01579 370686
(+44 1579 370686 from outside the UK). or you can send
him an email at parsonsfurgus
hotmail.com.
(You'll have to type out the whole address as this is not
an active link). He would be happy to talk about your
special requirements for a table without any obligation.
Furgus' new website is currently in preparation.
Contact information
Please contact the individual specialist you think best meets your needs. Any other group member will be pleased to help you.
If you would like to contact the group itself, please use the contact information below. You will need to type the address in full into your email.
Electronic mail address - chairmanbespokewoodworkers.co.uk
Telephone - 01822 832216 or from outside the UK +44 1822 832216