Another fancy #woodworking project getting under way! I can't remember if I shared about this already, but I've been working on it for a while. This is a west elm inspired project, and I want to build the final product in black walnut. I made one attempt in "common board" but the corners did not come out perfectly. So, another mock up is in order! I made some updates to the dimensions, and will start a second mockup in "select pine" this week. Everything has to be perfect before chopping up my very pricy black walnut 
Day 1 of attempt 2 of my octagon tray. Today, I cut all my work pieces and mitered the edges for the frame. I made some really nasty cuts on the miter saw, some less nasty cuts on the table saw (but still pretty bad), and then got some advice from a veteran #maker. He clued me in on several proper crosscutting setups for the table saw (the one I chose is pictured here,) and I was finally able to get nice clean miters. The frame is all cut up, and next step will be the long, careful process of the frame glue-up.
