How would you make this table top?

[Dan Mitchell]

I have a question about the instructions. Why would he suggest orienting all three boards with the end grain the same way...I've always heard the opposite....when did this become a good idea?

I wondered the same thing. If anyone knows the definitive answer, I'd like to hear it.

[Kelly Craig]

Turn the table so the first side you want to taper is up. Clamp straight 2x's and shim stock, if needed, (you could also make a long box with a fence) to the face of the table. The last board would be your stop fence, against which a skill saw would run.

After looking at the photo, again, I noted the obvious: The sides arch, so this wouldn't work in this instance. Guess I'd just get my electric plane and belt sanders out and tackle it this way. Of course, I'd quickly become more fond of round-over edges at this point.