The "Dining Table" Project
I've done a couple smaller table projects, but this
is the first full size table I have ever done.
While they have all had similar components (top,
mortise & Tenon joinery, legs, etc, it is a lot
different to do something this size.
This project was full of "firsts" for me, and the sheer
size of the table presented space issues in my shop area
as well.
This table is 52"x97" (yes, just over eight feet),
and is primarily Alder with Walnut breadboard ends and
accents.
Pam played a key role in the overall design. I did
not use a set of plans (well, I drew my own, I didn't
buy them). We looked at pictures of
tables for sale and used elements of tables we liked, so
I don't think the table really fits into a particular
style or period. Pam's primary directive was that
she wanted a rustic looking "old/used" country kitchen
look to the table.
At this point in my "hobby", this table represents the
pinnacle of my skills. While not without a few
mistakes, it is still the best work I have done (Sept
2009)
Completed Table...
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Progress Pictures...
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This
is the first time I've purchased rough sawn lumber from
a local mill. This is 176bdft of 8/4 Alder
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A lot of firsts for me on this project. Other than some test pieces, this was the first time using the Jointer. I found my jointer is not really large enough to work 8' boards. I got it done, but it was a lot of work.
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Another first... using a thickness planer for the first time.
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After squaring up three sides, I ran the boards through the table saw to get the fourth side and set final width of boards.
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Doing a dry assembly of the planks, and laying out the
marks for biscuits. I don't normally use biscuits,
but I figured they might help me keep everyone
vertically aligned during assembly... it sort of worked.
I'm not sure it helped enough that I would bother doing
it again.
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I did the glue up in smaller sections.
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And then the final glue up. I don't really have the best area for work this large, so I had to improvise and use the floor.
Shopdog "Sundance" is supervising the progress.
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After getting the top assembled, I started working on the base using all the methods shown for the top (jointing, planeing, etc). The front stack shown here are destined to be the legs.
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For this table, I decided to use floating (or "Loose") tenons. I
made this router jig for making the mortises on the legs
and aprons. This is a slick design that I stole from
David Marks (I did make one modification). Setup is
pretty easy, and once done, the repeatability of the
mortise on multiple pieces is aces.
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Nice clean mortise on the leg. Rather than squaring up the edges, I created rounded tenons.
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Putting the mortise on the apron, and Shopdog "Sam" is making sure I am doing it to his specifications.
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Dry assembly of the base.
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Glue up of one end of the base. It takes some extra time to mask off all the areas to protect from glue squeeze out, but I find it is worth the effort.
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Nice and square (top of the square is off the leg because of the leg taper).
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Finished with the assembly of the base.
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Preparing for the "Breadboard Ends".
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Nice! The walnut was an afterthought. I had to convince Pam to let me put breadboard ends on in the first place, and the pieces I had remaining from the original purchase would have made for ends that were too thin. I think the contrasting wood adds a nice touch to the overall work.
Nice!
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Base and top are done! Now I just have to sand and apply the finish.
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A few walnut accent pieces. These are for looks only.. "faux joinery".
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Ooops, still had a little
assembly to do. Needed to put the brackets on to mount
the top to the base.
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The top with Boiled Linseed Oil applied.
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The stretcher for the base, with the walnut end cap.
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The base and top oiled up and ready for the Varnish.
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