re: Help choosing layout

Thanks Brian.
The top is 68 1/2" without the edging. Most likely 21″×70 1/2" with the trims.

Sorry typo on the glue. The glue for the top is better bond:
http://www.veneersupplies.com/products/Better-Bond-Veneer-Glue-Color-Medium.html

The rest of the project was Hot hide. I chickened out on the top:)

Paul I made liquid hide but I though I should try it on less expensive veneer first.
I did use some of it as a sealer on this project also as a lubricant for the hammer to gain some time before gel time.
In other words I roll a very thin layer of liquid hide on the good face of the veneer, then I apply hot hide on the substrate and hammer right away. No flipping.
That buys me time and I still get to seal the top.

Since I prefinished everything before assemble for this project, I can say I did not see any effect on the finish from the added salt. Some of it has been finished 5 months ago and left alone in the garage for the whole summer while we were traveling.
I have also experimented without a hide sealer and boy what a difference on the finish. It’s just much warmer with the hide and the figure seems to pop more.
I have done some work with the hot iron to liquefy the glue on longer pieces but I still need some training.

As it stand, I need to sand the top and finish it. I am also waiting on my wife to choose the pulls.

I think It should be ready in a couple of weeks as I am going to visit a couple Schools with my older son this weekend. So no woodworking:)