Floating top table

[3thumbs]

I am making the "Floating top table" from the September 2011 Wood magazine.
Instead of using Ash that they called for, I had some nice white oak, so I used that. (I am still using walnut for the top)
My question is how do I finish the oak? I have never used it before, and it looks like it needs to be sealed first because of the grain. Any ideas?
I am also worried that the legs might split over time, because they are only 3/4 inch at the bottom.
Thanks!
DM

[cork58]

I'm not going to address the finish because my use of white oak is zilch. The only reason I am posting is to remind you of something you already know, WORK THE PLAN YOURSELF. I made the mistake a long time ago and paid the price which was quite high I may add.

Every month the magazines post "updates" on their plans, to late in some cases for the folks that already know they made an error. I always take their idea and work out the details myself. You might be surprized at the modifications you can make to make it just a little better, like the size of the legs that support the weight.

Just my 2 cents.