I need to build a Mission style table for my daughter’s new home similar to the attached photo. Since I’ve never built any Mission style pieces, and can’t locate an appropriate plan, I thought that some of y’all have probably been down this road before and could give me some guidance.
The top will be 18 inches by 54 inches and the table will be approx. 30 inches high. What’s the recommended overhang for the top? I was thinking about 2 1/2 inch square legs–is that too large? How is the lower shelf secured? How wide should the vertical slats on the ends be? And how much space between each slat? How many inches from the floor should the shelf be? How large should the apron be–4, 5, or 6 inches? What other questions should I be asking?
While I’ve built many tables, this Mission style is really different for me so I appreciate any guidance you can give me.
Thanks,
Bob
Replies
Okay, since you've got a decent picture, assume the length of the top to be 54". Meaure the distance of the top in the pic. Now, using that as an index you can determine the dimensions of nearly all remaining parts.
Plans? You don' need no steeenking plans! You got a picture. That's better than a plan because you can build a piece that looks like the picture, but to the sizes that fit your needs exactly.
Get yourself a roll of wide butcher's paper, or some rosin paper, and doodle up something full sized, aiming for something that's pleasing to *your* eye. Then start building. A&C stuff is pretty easy since it's all 90° angles and straight edges. You can even make a mock-up out of cardboard, masonite, etc, to get a feel for the dimensions. If it's helpful, you can always fall back on the golden ratio for coming up with pleasing proportions for length vs. height. If you have a full-size drawing, you don't even need to measure anything -- just mark everything right off the drawing.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
PS: While 2-1/2" is probably less than "classic" A&C legs, I personally like that dimension (mine usually end up just over 2-1/4" square). I'd fasten the bottom shelf by letting it into a stopped groove, almost through, and pegged from the bottom in the middle if you want added strength. I'd make the slats about 3/4" square. I'd make the apron somewhere between 3" and 4". (It looks bigger on the pic because I don't think that pic is anywhere near as big as the table you are building. I think anything wider on your table would be too wide.) As for the height of the shelf, no set rules, so make it high enough so your daughter can clean under it fairly easily -- women-folk appreciate that sort of thing. ;-)
Edited 4/17/2008 5:03 pm ET by MikeHennessy
Edited 4/17/2008 5:06 pm ET by MikeHennessy
Thanks, Mike. That's just the kind of info I was hoping for.Bob
That is way too much planning! Just go into the shop and start cutting. A plan will come to you once the smell of fresh sawn wood hits your nose! :^)
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