At long last the tables were finished up last week and delivered on Sunday.  I wet sanded through multiple grades from 400 to 2000 grit and finished with several plain coats of tung oil.  All told, there were about 10 coats of oil through the various stages, which should be durable in heavy use.  I have advised that further applications of oil will be desirable, to keep the surface fresh and well protected.  The ash proved to be a thirsty wood, but the grain is beautiful and it finished with a golden brown that is warm yet transparent.

    

As you can see the tables, once delivered fit the space perfectly.  Despite their odd shape, they blend in well and will provide and improved ergonomic layout in corner of the kitchen that has needed usable counter space and storage.

 

I am entering the home stretch with the tables.  After a couple months of fits and starts, finding the right mix of techniques and approaches, the tables are well constructed for heavy use as work tables, and yet stylish enough to fit in well with kitchen decor.

 

The ash wood has gone from a towheaded blonde to a beautiful golden color, with translucent figure highlighting the grain.  I am layering tung oil progressively using a wet sanding technique that builds up a hard, smooth finish.