So I am redoing my office and have been looking at live wood slab desks like this –
il_570xN.545236497_ooz7.jpg
I figure it can't be that hard to make (hehe) so I went and bough a slab of black walnut which is already planed and kiln dried. I got a good price on it - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...E:L:OC:US:3160
I am hoping all I will need to do is sand/finish it and put on some legs. It does have some slight bowing/cupping but am hoping it will work (will see when it arrives today). Anyway, I have no idea what I am doing!
First I was wondering if there are any good online instructional videos you all can recommend? I found some on youtube but everyone says something different and I am not sure who to follow! I am looking for basic instruction on how to sand the wood (what to start and end with and everything in between) and how to finish it with stain/oil/poly/etc.
Second, what do you all recommend for the finish taking in mind the type of wood, the fact that I am a beginner and I will be using this as a small writing desk? I will have a protective desk pad down so I am not writing directly on the wood. I don't want the wood to be super shiny as I like a more natural look but I do want it to be protected. I am hoping the color is what I think and I will just need a natural finish. However, if I wanted to stain it to be a little warmer/deeper in color but without losing all the detail of the wood how would I go about that?
Sorry this is so long and I am so clueless! If you all could just point me in a direction to get started I will figure out the rest!
Thanks so much!!!