The first step was to build a strong interior structural box.  I

decided to use poplar, easily machinable and readily available

at Amherst Woodworking in Northampton.  The interior box is

comprised of a base frame, four L-shaped poplar legs, and a

top frame.  The legs were fastened to both the base and top

frames with 1/4-20 machine screws and bolts so that the altar

could later be disassembled and moved out of my shop.  The

exterior base, legs and top were fabricated as a shell of 3/4"

cherry boards.  These were cut to length and width then

fastened to the poplar interior box with 1/4-20 threaded steel

inserts and bolts.  The cherry top panel was glued up in my

shop, then given an initial sanding to 120 grit at Amherst

Woodworking's wide-belt sander, and finally to 320 grit back

in my shop.  This top panel was fastened to the poplar top

frame with cleats and drywall screws.  The side boards of the

top were 5" width cherry, mitered at four corners and

fastened to the poplar frame with steel bolts.   

The cherry boards came from a sustainably managed forest in

western Pennsylvania, and were purchased through

Connecticut Wood Group's hardwood outlet in Enfield,

Connecticut.  Once Jim Harvey and I had picked the good

rough-sawn cherry boards, CWG planed both sides to 3/4"

thickness (for most of the boards) and also jointed one

straight edge.  This made it much easier to cut the cherry to

desired length and width in my shop. 

The assembly took place in a space not much bigger than the

altar itself, so I had to do some Houdini squeezes through

small spaces in order to maneuver pieces into place.   Some

days my joints would ache and complain, but as the altar

came together I found new energy to continue.