This is nice, Al. It is striking timber........what have you finished it with?

I was brought up in Australia, and had never heard of sassafras.........so I googled it. Seems it is a North American timber. It looks a bit like those Indonesian and Indian timbers that are full of contrast, and usually made into distressed "ethnic furniture".

I think bolder timbers call for simpler designs..........and you have got the balance spot on here.

Mike 

great design

if its black heart sassafrass, i have turned some and was also told it was an Australian timber.

Timber origins get more and more mixed up, don't they? Sycamore and horse chestnut are thought of as British trees by most.........both imported, and nibbled on by rabbits, grey squirrels and various deer (all imported). So, this sassafras could easily have grown in Australia. After all, eucalypts grow all over the world now after starting only in the land of Oz.

Mike 

Really nice table, Al. Good proportions, nice design and I really like the contrasting strip of sapwood down the centre of the top (at least that's how it appears in the photo).

I also agree with Mike's point on design; sometimes you've got to think of where you want the focal point to be. 

Another wonderful piece, It looks right in proportions, Looks very light and airy/fresh (if you know what I mean)........lovely grain too.

Well made.