Bowline — American Elm C-Table

This c-table was cut from a single quartersawn slab of American elm taken near the pith — the center of the tree. Quartersawn pith stock is some of the most expressive wood a maker can choose, and also the most prone to releasing tension as it dries. This slab did exactly that, opening a natural fissure along the grain as it gave up moisture. The wood is fully stable now.

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It could have been left alone. Instead, a single hand-cut ebony bow tie locks the wood mechanically across the seam, and a targeted black resin fill follows the fissure across the surface. The bow tie does the structural work. The resin completes the geometry. Together they read as one continuous gesture from the live edge through the void — mechanical insurance and visual punctuation in the same move.

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Hand-finished with Rubio Monocoat European Oil, applied by hand. Built on a powder-coated steel C-frame designed to slide alongside a sofa or chair. One of one.

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Dimensions: 18” L × 12.5” W × 25” H Top thickness: 1.25” Wood: American elm, quartersawn pith stock Stabilization: Single hand-cut ebony bow tie Resin: Black, targeted application along the natural fissure Base: Powder-coated steel C-frame, matte black Finish: Rubio Monocoat European Oil, hand-applied Edition: One of one

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CONSTRUCTION & CRAFT Built by Black Walnut Studio in Madison, Wisconsin. Slab fully moisture-acclimated before any cut or inlay work was performed. Bow tie hand-cut from solid ebony and inlaid with the grain orientation chosen to lock the joint against natural movement. Finished with a hand-applied natural-oil hardwax that bonds with the wood fibers rather than sitting on top of them.

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CARE INSTRUCTIONS Wipe with a damp cloth; avoid harsh cleaners and abrasive pads. For spot repair or annual refresh, apply Rubio Monocoat Oil+2C with a clean cloth — no sanding required. Keep room humidity reasonably stable (35–55%) to let the wood do what wood does.

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SHIPPING Calculated at checkout based on delivery destination and dimensions. Ships flat-packed for affordable, damage-free delivery. Assembly takes under five minutes using pre-installed hex-head bolts; a hex wrench is included.