Replies

1. 
   johnhardy | Jul 14, 2003 09:20pm | #1

   If the shelf were solid wood you've have to account for expansion/contraction. But since you're using plywood, you shouldn't have this problem. To me, the shelf should either stop short of the legs (narrower than the leg-to-leg distance) or should cover part of the legs. The latter gives you more shelf space if that's a consideration.

   But I'm somewhat confused by the 1/4" dado you mention. The ply is 3/4" thick ... was that a typo? Or, are you making a 1/4" tenon in the plywood?

   John

1. 
   BG | Jul 15, 2003 01:34am | #2

   Johnhardy,

   I decided not to trim out the plywoood edge with hardwood or tape..the 1/4x3/4 dado in the bottom apron is to accept the plywood hiding the edges and providing support for the shelf.  Let me be a bit more specific, I took the four pieces that make up the bottom apron and ran them through the dado blades...1/4 deep, 3/4 wide, 1/4 from the top.  The apron/rails are morticed and tenoned into the legs.

   However, I think your answer hit the mark.  I should not bother to try and dado/mortice the ply into the legs as they go around the corners.

1. 
   johnhardy | Jul 15, 2003 03:09am | #3

   Ah, now I understand. The A&C stuff  I've made only has a lower "apron" on the ends.

   I think the ply would look better if you dadoed the legs as well. No gap would show. The dadoes wouldn't have to be extremely accurate, as you could cut an angle on the plywood corners. All you'd need is enough of a dado for the ply to fit snugly.

   John

1. 
   BG | Jul 15, 2003 04:03am | #4

   johnhardy,

   Had not thought about an angle through the legs ..that is a good idea! I put the second set of aprons on to make it good an strong....may have to hold up lots of empty beer cans...sigh..

   thanks