I would like to build Steve Latta’s Federal Card Table, but I want to modify the design. First, I would like to change the location of the legs so the space between the center 2 legs is wider. Then, I want to make the top fixed and add a drawer. The drawer would be flush with the apron, and I would like to have it look more Shaker than Federal. I know I can relocate the 2 legs, but what about adding the drawer? Is this possible? Has anyone else made this table or similiar modifications to a stock plan?
Thanks for your help.
Bill-
Replies
There are scores of period tables like the one you plan to build. Most common are those with serpentine sides and a bowfront draw. A similar piece is underway at my shop - a fixed top (card) table with serpentine sides and a serpentine drawer front. It's one of my favorite forms and the modifications are not that complex.
Rather than explain the process, let me see if I can get some photos of the table to date and/or one of the sketches...
- Craig
Wow, that would be awesome! Thanks, I don't have a lot of experience with making furniture, although I have built a 2 things from Woodsmith (pie safe and chimney cupboard) and I never had to alter the plans at all. I would like to make this piece out of cherry. I know it will be pretty expensive, so I don't want to goof it up.
Thanks again.
Edited 2/19/2007 1:37 pm ET by billmeister
Let's see if this works...Work in process: Cherry and Curly Maple table, loosely rooted in the Federal style. The client will use it as a hall table.If you talk to 12 builders, you'll get 12 methods, so be open to experimenting with the construction. Hopefully you can follow my ramblings...The table you're thinking of might typically have rails above and below the drawer (picture any one-drawer stand). I choose to set those rails behind the drawer, so rather than mortise the rails into the legs, I dovetail them into the apron. The drawer will be supported by runners (not shown) that are mortised into the rails and into the back of the table. It's very simple and I think the approach will be just as simple on a demi-lune, too. Play around with this on paper and you'll come to understand just how uncomplicated the build really is. Major work on my table should be done by Friday. There's the remaining inlay, the top and the drawer dovetails. Then an oil/varnish finish. No hardware - I'll carve a hand pull under the drawer - you'll reach under and pull forward to open.
Thanks for posting those photos - luv seeing nice shapes in the raw!
dave
beachfarm,
That's a beautiful table. What type of finish are you doing?
Billmeister,Sorry, I don't have a demilune drawing. This drawing is for a table with dimensions very much like the table in the photos. The construction is certainly the same. I understand what you're after. Use this stuff as a guide and keep looking. Maybe someone else will chime in.Regards,Craig
Hello Bill ! Not to long ago I completed my Federal card table. I had never tackled anything like this before, but I liked it and I wanted to build it. It took me a long time but I took my time and when I got to the point where I wanted to pull my hair out, I just put it aside for a day or two. I did all the inlay (again I have never tried any of this type of woodwork before.
When I stained it and got it home the top leaf of the table cupped up ward, but I got over that, after a lot of disappointment.
Now the table is sitting in the living room. After all my work it turned out very well.
So Bill take your time and all will go well. I have not taken a picture of it yet, but when I do I will post it here.
Jack
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