| Workbench: Assembling the Legs and Base |
From "Woodworking"
episode DIW-205 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Once the rails and legs are made and joined together by the mortise-and-tenon system, it's time to assemble the base of the table. Note: This workbench originally appeared in Workbench Magazine. Complete plans to build this workbench can be purchased at www.workbenchplans.com . Materials: Drill
3/8" spur bit
Masking tape
Wooden peg
Hammer
Scrap wood
Wood glue
3/8" drill bit with extender
1 1/4" Forstner bit
Bolt, washer and nut
Wrench
- Begin joining the mortise-and-tenon system at the top. Place drill bit alongside the mortise opening to choose the correct bit. (Tip: A piece of masking tape can be wrapped around the drill bit to indicate the correct depth.)
- Position drill bit in the center of the joint and drill through the front of the leg's surface, through the mortise opening, and into the back of the leg -- but not through the back surface (figure A).
- Fit tenon into the mortise opening. Use hammer to tap a drill bit into the hole to mark drilling position on the tenon's surface.
- Remove tenon and place on a piece of scrap wood. Drill a hole about 1/32" behind the marked position (figure B).
- Apply glue to both sides of the tenon where it will meet the mortise and slide into the mortise opening. Then hammer a wooden peg (which has been whittled on one end) through the holes in the mortise and tenon (figure C). Use a piece of scrap wood to protect the wood as peg is driven into the hole. Drive peg into the hole until it's flush with the surface and remove excess glue. Trim and sand the peg if needed.
- Repeat for all legs and use bar clamps to secure the base as it dries (figure D).
- Cut stretchers to fit the distance between the legs. Dry-fit one top stretcher just behind the front legs, and another just behind the back set of legs. A long bolt, washer and nut will be used to hold the stretcher in place.
- Drill a 3/8" hole -- slightly deeper than the length of the bolt -- through the rail and into the stretcher (figure E).
- Use drill and Forstner bit to drill a round 1-1/4" hole into the stretcher (figure F) so that it intersects with the bolt's path, just beyond the end of the bolt. Measure carefully before drilling.
- Add bolt to the hole in the end of the rail (figure G). Add a washer and bolt through the 1-1/4" hole in the stretcher and use wrench to tighten.
- Repeat process to secure the ends of both stretchers.
Sponsored Resource
> Click here to order your tools and materials for this project from Woodcraft!
RESOURCES :
Workbench Vise
Model: Record 52 ED
Record Tools
Website: recordtools.com
Setting Up Shop: The Practical Guide to Designing and Building Your Dream Shop
Model: 1561585556
Author: Sandor Nagyszalanczy
Making Workbenches : Planning, Building, Outfitting
Model: 0806905352
Author: Sam Allen
The Workbench Book
Model: 1561582700
Author: Scott Landis
The Small Wood Shop (The Best of Fine Woodworking)
Author: Helen Albert (Editor)
Publisher: Taunton Press
ISBN: 1561580619
Workbench Magazine
How-to magazine featuring a wide variety of woodworking projects.
Workbench Magazine
Website: www.workbenchmagazine.com
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
