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First of all, i've glued
up a panel, made from 2 boards of red pine. This will act as the table
top. See the plan for dimensions. |
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So lets get to work and start on
the legs. Here you see i'm measuring them. They are each 450mm tall, and
I will cut them from square stock first. The tapering will come in later. |
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Here I am using my try square to
draw square lines. |
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I'm not using the chops saw, to show
you that you can do things the 'ye olde' way with good results. TIP: Use
a good sharp saw, for best results. |
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After I have cut my 4 legs to length,
I'm tapering them. For more details on the taper size etc.. see the plan.
I am passing the top end of the leg onto the blade first. |
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Here you can see the jig I used
to cut all 8 tapers. It's very simple. There is a hinge at the front,
allowing the 2 pieces to swivel. There is a stop at the back that the
leg sits against. You set the jig up and it then rides against the rip
fence.
You can make one or buy one here |
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After cutting the tapers on the saw.
I am left with a few saw marks. These can be removed with a belt sander,
but I like to use my bench jointer. |
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Here we have the 4 legs and the top.
Now we need the horizontal pieces called stretchers. These will connect
the 4 legs together and provide a frame on which we will fix the top.
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I have cut the 4 stretchers to length. |
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I could use proper mortise and
tennon joints, and this is suggestible for bigger tables. As this is
only a small table and won't bear much weight, pocket holes are a easier
choice.
Here I am using my pocket hole jig
and drill. Again very simple. |
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I'm now screwing the stretchers
to the legs, they will be flush with the face of the legs. The 2 tapers
on each leg will be on the inside.
To save confusion mark the tapered
sides after you have cut them. |
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I'm now fixing the shorter stretchers
on. (AGAIN!) |
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After you have connected the
4 legs together, it's a good idea to give them a sanding, this way everything
will be nice and flush, its easier to sand them now, when the table top
is on it will not be as easy. Then you will be in trouble !! |
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You can see them here. Flush. Perfect
and very good ! |
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I'm fixing the frame assembly
down to the table top, NO glue.
I like to use these plastic fixing
blocks, and good quality screws. |
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Here the table is, finished at last.
Now all we need to do is wax it. |
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I have chosen to finish this piece
with an antique pine, mellow wax. This really does make the wood look
good.
You could also use oil, varnish,
polish etc... |
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Here the finished table is in all
it's glory ! After 2 coats of wax and a buff. I'm sure it will get many
years of use, beside the computer table. |