Flattening bar top

[jartzh]

I have a 9ft slab of pecan. 2 inches thick , 2 ft across. it is not perfectly flat. I dont know if it was cut like this or warpped. Got any ideas on how to flatten it without a monster planer? I have a belt sander and a electric hand planer. So I can remove the material. But I am not sure how to setup a guide easily. I have seen plans where you build a box around it that acts as a guide. I guess the real question is how flat should a bar top be. Its going to have carved figures for legs and its goind to have rough edges. My first thought is just to smooth it out and leave the unevenness in. It looks flat unless you get down and look at it across the surface. Any thoughts?

[brian-bailey]

Here is how I flatten slabs for the coffee tables that I make.

It's just a jig that I cobbled together, using a router and a 7/8" dia. bit.

Works great!

[North Wind]

Router, sled and rails is the way to go. But if can not do that just send it to me and I will be glad to take the problem off your hands (LOL). Vince

[K Karver]

That is really neat Brian. Now I just have to find myself some decent slabs of wood and we're in business. Got to believe the bar would look great after treatment on your jig.

John K Karver

Originally Posted by brian bailey

Here is how I flatten slabs for the coffee tables that I make.

It's just a jig that I cobbled together, using a router and a 7/8" dia. bit.

Works great!

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

Brian, Great idea! I'm gonna steal it.

[Clifford_Parker]

Originally Posted by Plain_Ol_Ed

Brian, Great idea! I'm gonna steal it.

Me too! Built the sled this morning

[brian-bailey]

Ya'll ain't stealin from me, cuz I stole it from someone else !