Acacia melanoxylon adventure

Once upon a time, in a charming little house nestled in the heart of Europe, I, as a new homeowner, discovered a treasure trove of abandoned relics from the previous occupant. Among these was an ancient, somewhat derelict sewing machine. Its once-gleaming surfaces were now dulled by time, and its gears had seen better days. However, its sturdy iron base stood resilient, as if defying the decades.

I’m not a craftsman, but someone with a creative penchant for repurposing the old into something new and marvelous; I had a spark of inspiration. Why not transform this relic into the centerpiece of the kitchen—a dining table? The only thing missing was the perfect top to complement the robust and rustic base.

As fate would have it, a rumor reached me about a 15-year-old-dried plank of Australian Blackwood, stowed away in Amsterdam by an elderly shipbuilder who once dreamt of building a fleet of majestic sailing ships but settled instead on crafting robust clogs and occasionally, ship models. The wood was initially meant to be used for a captain's quarters, but that never came to fruition. Instead, this exotic timber, a distant cousin to the illustrious Hawaiian Koa and often mistaken for it, found its way to Europe, lured by promises of grandeur, only to end up in a dusty old workshop.

As I am ever ready for an adventure, I embarked on a quest to Amsterdam to claim this plank. Upon arrival, I was met with a labyrinth of timber stacks towering like the skyscrapers back in New Amsterdam. With guidance from the shipbuilder, who navigated the wooden maze with the ease of a seasoned sailor, I focused on the Blackwood. It was more beautiful than imagined, with a rich, mahogany hue and a fine, swirling grain that danced in the light.

After some friendly haggling, which involved swapping tales of traveling worldwide, the plank was loaded into my vehicle, its end hanging precariously out of the trunk as if enjoying the breeze on the ride.

Back at the house, the real work begins. Sawdust will fly, and tools used in a symphony of creation as I, measuring, cutting, sanding, and occasionally swearing, shape the Blackwood to fit the sewing machine base and my kitchen. The endeavor is sprinkled with moments of doubt—will the wood split? Will the base need reinforcement? But hope is never lost.

Finally, the table will hopefully be completed, a fusion of history and personal ingenuity. The sewing machine base, paired with the lustrous, smooth surface of the Australian Blackwood, hopefully a sight to behold.

The first dinner I want to host around this table should be filled with laughter and admiring glances at the quirky, yet I imagine, elegant furniture piece. Guests should prepare to be regaled with the tale of the table’s creation; each course added to the story’s flavor. I can’t help but already smile, the satisfaction of creation mingling with the joy of entertaining friends. The table is not just a piece of furniture; it is a testament to my imagination and a little humorous adventure.

Preparing the table block

Sewing machine dismantled

Finished