The Shaker pedestal table is my hands down favorite style of table. Its lines are fluid, almost seamless. Its form is simple, yet there is a timeless elegance in its urn-like base and arched, tapered legs. It's the quintessential American table.  Would you have guessed that the style is from the 1820s? Does it look out of place today? Would it look out of place in your home? Isn't it strange how certain forms seem hold their appeal, regardless of the times? Is that the power of art?     The Kentucky Shakers, it seems, were ahead of their New England brethren:  not only did they combine the usual function and form philosophy, they added  figure  by using cherry, walnut, and butternut (plus curly woods). My piece extends that concept even more: use the finest figure you can find—all still for the glory of God, of course.    Curly cherry, butternut, figured hard and soft maple—these are some of the woods I've used to make this style of pedestal table. They all have their unique attributes. It's really a subjective call to say which is best.    Recently included on that list is this curly claro walnut table with a book-matched top for my youngest daughter. California claro walnut differs from Mid-western black walnut in that it has more color variation in my opinion, especially orange highlights in the heartwood.    Let's just say that if you make a pedestal table for  one  daughter, you better make another for your  other  daughter, or….well you understand.
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