I am trying to build this end table for a friend. Is this even possible to do with solid wood? What type of joinery would I have to use to do so? I’m getting myself confused with wood movement and all of the different orientations of wood on this piece. Should I just use plywood and call it a day?
Replies
There is nothing odd about this piece, it can be made with solid wood .
Yes, it's possible. My best advice is don't overthink it. You might consider ply on just the back. That makes everything else easier. If you use quarter sawn wood, movement should be a near nonissue given the relatively narrow widths. I think you can leave the slide out shelf loose enough it won't bind.
Thirding other comments.
This is a well-designed piece and the wood movement has been correctly accounted for.
Some thoughts:
1. consider the back being a floating panel, if it is to be solid wood.
2. make sure the top is fixed on in a way to allow for movment.
All that said, it's small enough that wood movement will be minimal anyway, but it never hurts to be paranoid. You'd be surprised what you get away with, until you don't...
I'm in agreement with all of the above. The back is the only issue. There are a half dozen ways of handling that, including plywood, ship-lapped, tongue-and-groove, floating panel, etc. This is a well designed piece and will be attractive, especially if built from good-looking wood.
“[Deleted]”
To me, if you make all of the marked panels (pic) with the grain running the same way movement will be covered.