Bar-table

The tools I have used:

1. Circular saw
2. Miter saw
3. Handsaw
4. Router
5. Drill
6. Belt sander
7. Orbital sander
8. Chisels
9. Rubber mallet
10. Wood clamps

Supplies:

1. Live edge slab
2. Fir square beams 69x69 mm
3. Wooden dowel
4. Steel strips
5. Paint brush / paint roller
6. Paint (matt black)
7. Paint (matt clear coat)
8. Wood glue
9. Screws
10. Felt

I bought this slab of Ipe wood at a local sawmill.
Ipe, also called Brazilian walnut or lapacho, is a dense and resilient wood that comes from the forests of Central and South America. Like other tropical woods, Ipe bears some unique characteristics. It's a particularly durable wood that weathers fantastically and looks beautiful.

The slab was too long for my design, so I cut off the cracked part.

I used an electrical circular saw to adjust the slab.

I used several chisles and a rubber mallet to remove the bark.
I recommend to use a rubber mallet to prevent damage to your chisles, which must be sharp obviously.

First I created a wooden jig to guide the router, which I used to create the slots.
I mounted the mild steel bars in the slots, to prevent the wood from cracking.

I used a belt sander to sand the top. I started with 80 grit and worked in steps up to 220 grit.

I used an orbital sander to sand the live edge sides, with the same grits as mentioned above.

I glued wooden dowels to cover the screws and subsequently sanded them flush with the frame.

I had to paint the 'visible' parts three times.
So keep this in mind when you buy your paint and for your time-management!

After the paint, I added two layers of clear coat, to prevent it from damaging and to make it water resistant.

This is a clear matt finish.