Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | Mar 10, 2007 12:40am | #1

   I googled "plans coffee / end tables" and got 1,250,000 hits.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   firemarshall | Mar 10, 2007 12:48am | #2

   I think, thats right,but I don`t Know.   D.T.,  2007

    

1. 
   nikkiwood | Mar 10, 2007 02:05am | #3

   My point was that there are plenty of plans out there. In order to be helpful here at Knots, you need to be more specific about what you're looking for.I think my best advice would be to visit a bookstore, find a book that covers a table that strikes your fancy, and have at it.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

2. 
   JeffHeath | Mar 10, 2007 02:09am | #4

   I agree with Nikkiwood.  Only you can decide what you consider to be simple.  Without knowing what tools you have, etc.....there are just too many choices to randomly throw something out there.  Your best bet would be to go to Woodcraft, Rockler, etc... and look at the books specifically written towards building tables.  There are many, many good books written by woodworkers, some of whom actually hang out here sometimes, that have nice, easy to read plans.  Then, you can decide what you're willing and ready to tackle.

   Good luck, and have fun.

   Jeff

1. 
   firemarshall | Mar 10, 2007 06:21pm | #5

   Thanks Jeff. I took the advice and found a set of Mission style tables in a catalog of a company called Cherry Tree.  as far as the tools I have they mostly consist of a delta table saw, dewalt scroll saw which I have passed many an hour with, a 12 inch planer, router and simple table, delta miter saw & various hand tools. Ialso would like information or guide for using a Dado and which type to buy for my table saw. Thanks again    David

1. 
   nikkiwood | Mar 10, 2007 07:24pm | #9

   Re: dado bladesPersonally, I think Forrest is at the top of the heap, but it is expensive (about $250). Freud sells a number of cheaper dados that are perfectly adequate.Forrest: http://tinyurl.com/2fxe7zFreud: http://www.freud-tools.com/yoursawandda.html********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

2. 
   forestgirl | Mar 10, 2007 08:18pm | #10

   Welcome, firemarshall.  If you like the mission style, you could also take a look through both Wood and Woodsmith back issue indexes -- they seem to have alot of plans over the years for mission furniture.  Many libraies have books with mission plans, as the style has been very popular.

   As far as dadoes go, the Freud sets go way beyond "adequate."  I have the Freud 6" safety dado and it cuts exquisitely clean dados with crisp, flat bottoms.  It will cost you a little over $120 at Amazon.  If you've got $200 or so in your dado-bank, consider the Freud Dial-a-Width dado (a true, stacked dado, not a wobbler).  That one wasn't available when I was shopping, but would definitely spend the money on it now.  No shims!

   This is all assuming your table saw will handle a full-depth dado set (e.g., not a bench-top saw).forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   firemarshall | Mar 10, 2007 09:51pm | #11

     Thanks, the Freud Dial-A-With is in the mail! David

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 10, 2007 10:45pm | #13

   Wow, no dilly-dallying around for you, eh?  ROFL!  Give us a report when you've gotten a chance to use it, OK??forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

3. 
   JeffHeath | Mar 10, 2007 10:12pm | #12

   firemarshall

   I believe in buying for quality, and buying it once for life.  I have a Forrest Dado King, and love it.  Chip free dados in both plywood and hardwoods, rip or cross grain.  There are definately less expensive dado sets out there, but none better.

   You seem to have more than enough tools to make the tables you want.  Enjoy the process, and your retirement.  I've got a few years before I'll be joining you.

   Jeff

3. 
   jeanlou | Mar 10, 2007 06:23pm | #6

   firemarshall (were you / are you?)

   Take a walk through several furniture stores, and when you see something you like and you can say to yourself...I can do that...take a picture, go home and start to draw up a simple plan.  JL

1. 
   firemarshall | Mar 10, 2007 06:33pm | #7

     Yes & No,  I was, but retired 1 year ago. I spent 35 years in the fire service. the last 15 in the Fire marshalls office as a Fire Investigator I recently moved and just now getting my rather small basement woodworking shop put back together.   thanks for the Idea    David

1. 
   jeanlou | Mar 10, 2007 06:43pm | #8

   Enjoy retirement David.  JL