In order to have a clean looking top without a lot of welds showing (not an easy feat on an all-welded table) I put trim around the edge of the expanded metal top.

After fitting, it's welded in place from the back, and Voila! Ready for paint and lacquer.

The local auto paint guys left me a bit discouraged about clear finishes on steel, but sculptor friends spoke glowingly of Permalac- has a great track record and can even (if neccesary for a desired surface) be applied over patinas and rust.

Finishing the tables, now they're almost ready for paint and lacquer.

Today I worked on the crossbar- photos show heating and upsetting the ends, then making the decorative bend on each end. Last step is to make a graceful curve in the middle and fine tune and weld it in place.

Here is the first table during a trial fitting. 

Still needs the crossbar on the legs  paint and some welding.

The tabletops are ready for cleaning, sanding, and final assembly.

Here are some photos of the construction and assembly of a pair of patio tables.

The legs are of heavy rebar, the ends are thickened and they are twisted into an organic leg form. 

The tabletops will be finished with a clear lacquer for a nice contrast.

no, the real photos are at gladishfamily.blogspot.com

sorry....

H

Some new work from ElementFe

First of all, everyone has to see the first photo of our first grandchild!