I started to make these tables and post them on my local classified ad. In the past few months i have made half a dozen tables. They seem to be pretty popular. The great plans on this site have helped me make a bit of extra income to support my tool addiction.
The tables are made from framing grade lumber from blue box store. I take each piece and cut it to rough length and run it through a joiner and planner to get it nice and square and smooth to start with. I cut everything to final dimension and start the glue up.
I wanted a nice flat and clean top for these tables so having straight and square lumber helps. To make the top I edge glue the boards together and clamp. No screws or anything else required. The breadboard ends are attached with a few pocket screws.
The table joints are are done using pocket hole screws and glue. I have trouble finding 4x4 in my area so I make the legs using two 2x4's glued together. I use 3 pocket screws per joint (skirt attaches to the legs). For the cross beams, i use a dado blade to notch out the legs and cross stretchers. I find this is the most accurate and quick way to go. The cross stretchers are attached with glue and screws, and the screw holes are filled with 3/8 pine dowels and cut flush.
Once the table is all assembled, I run it through a course of sanding from 80 grit up to 220 grit with an orbital sander. Then its time to start the finishing. I use minwax pre-stain conditioner to help it absorb evenly, then 2-3 coats of minwax stain of choice. I then use 3-5 coats of minwax wipe on poly. I find this stuff to be great. It goes on with a rag, no drip marks and provides a very smooth finish.
Each table takes about 25 hours to complete.
Comments
spiceylg
Mon, 06/18/2012 - 05:08
:)
Love these! Will those staples hold ok? I'd be afraid and drill a hole for the leather and twine. I knew I should have gotten those mason jars I saw at a yard sale! I've liked this since I've seen the plans (modified or not) and totally forgot about it. Anyway, great job and thanx for the reminder!
brookifer86
Mon, 06/18/2012 - 06:32
Staples Seem Ok
So far so good, though you could certainly drill holes and tie knots. Since the wood is just old fence pickets, it's not really meant to carry much weight anyway. I was leery of drilling holes and splitting the old wood. Plus they would be off center, and that would drive me batty! Oh, and if you don't have any mason jars, tin cans work just as well. That's what the butterfly bouquet is sitting in, an orange spray painted can