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I have wanted to build my own desk and related office furniture for some time. I have already built two book cases a credenza and a four door hutch. Now it’s time to build the desk.
The design I have developed calls for chamfered corner posts at each corner of both pedestals under the desk. The problem I am having is basically three fold: First I need to decide how to join each side Panel to each post. Then I need to decide how to attach each pedestal base to the top and finally how do I glue the assembly up?
The posts are 2.25 inches square with the outside corned chamfered allowing three equal flutes. I want to join the side panels to the post but do I use a simple dado (see the figure 1 in the attachment) or some other method?
Once I figure out how to join the side panels to the corner posts then I need to join the whole assembly to the top. I thought I could dado each side panel to accept a tongue milled on a top plate that I could let into each post (see fig 2 ion the attachment) to accomplish this task. I think that would work but that still leaves the other two problems: How do I join the panels to the post and how do I glue them up?
I need a little help.
Fig 1 Fig
Replies
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Try building the panel box, using butt joints at the corners. Then apply the legs, with an L-shaped section, over the corners.
To join to the top, cut a 1/4" dado along the inside about 1/4" down from the top of the panels. Use wood or metal clips that hook into this slot and then can be screwed through into the underside of the top.
Or install a diagonal wood flange across the corners of the side panels at the top. Screw through this into the top.
Better yet, design your own solution. The best method yet may be the one you invent.
Dave
*Terry, Please try posting the attachment again.Dano
*Here it is one more time
*Terry,Here is one solution. Another approach could be to eliminate the side bearer rails and have a center bearer rail dovetailed across into the top (centered) of the side panel rails. You can use single or double dovetails. As for the clamping strategy for the above joinery; I would use scrap hard wood the exact length of the rails (minus the tongues and tails) flush to the inside corners of the legs. Insert the panels, place the "stretchers", lightly clamp, then insert the bearer rails, tighten the clamping pressure. I would treat the front and back as separate components using a perfectly flat surface with a jig to insure square and bar clamps.For installing the sides, the procedure would be similar sans the the clamping jig. Clamp tightly, square it up, after the glue has set up and while the assembly is still clamped pre drill counter sunk holes in the tails and drive the screws. FWIW.DanoP.S. It is easier to attach JPEGS as opposed to RTF files
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