Replies

1. 
   MBerger | Aug 11, 2006 09:20pm | #1

   I just scoured our site for plans similar to your description and didn't come up with much. If you could provide some more details about what you want the table to look like I can do some more searching.

   You can start by browsing our online gallery of Tables to see if there are any styles or forms that are close to what you want.

   For example, do you want a table with a single pedestal or four legs.

   Alternatively, there are a few Web sites that sell woodworking plans, including Rockler.com and PlansNow.com. You might try by browsing those sites.

   Write back and I'll see what else we can come up with!

   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

    

1. 
   KENTB | Aug 11, 2006 10:43pm | #2

   Thanks for your response.  I haven't looked at any of the websites you suggested yet but I will.  I have the legs and anpron pretty well figured out.  Originally I was going to buy the top but most of them are to thin, less than 1". 

   I decided that since I was going to construct the Cabriole legs (which by the way I got the plans from issue 144) I would also build the top.  I am looking for assistance as to how to construct the top so that it is level,the best way to joinn the pieces and finishing quidelines. 

1. 
   MBerger | Aug 18, 2006 01:06am | #3

   Hi Kent,

   "how to construct the top so that it is level, and how to join"

   Traditionally, a butcher block is constructed by laminating board with the end-grain as the surface, like an old butcher-block cutting board (looks like a checkerboard). It's actually how the block plane got its name (maybe); the tool was used to plane the end-grain surface of a butcher block. These can be time-consuming to make. There is a ton of milling to do, and assembling and gluing them up is a multi-step process. However, these can look great and will have a super-durable surface that will take decades before it shows real wear and tear.

   Alternatively, you can glue up the table top from edge-glued boards. This is going to take a lot less time and is the more common method. Check out this article for tips on joinery and assembly.

   Finishing....

   I'll have to get back to you on finishing. It's time to get home and feed the family. You might also want to wait until you're closer to that stage of the project

   - Matt

   NOTE: I just read in an old Popular Science article that the block plane got its name for a different reason. I still think my explaination may have some grain of truth to it, but I can't confirm that.

   Edited 9/1/2006 12:48 pm ET by MBerger

1. 
   KENTB | Aug 18, 2006 06:09pm | #4

   No, I am not doing a top with end grain facing up.  I am going to edge join the Boards.  Your article was just what I was looking for.  I presume that the same principles apply whether I am joining 1-3/4" wide pieces or 6" wide pieces.  Thanks for finding the article.