Hello first time poster, I hope I didn’t miss a previous post on this subject. I’m looking to create a side table with x-stretchers. I wonder if folks might have ideas for this. Perhaps it’s as simple as a half lap? Some reference photos, one is from a glass top coffee table that I’d love some more info about (apologies for the terrible picture quality). You should be able to see the cross is connected with a large brass piece though I am unsure of it was merely cosmetic. Thanks!
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Your question reminded me of an article from Tim Coleman. It shows one way to make x stretchers that is very innovative.
https://www.finewoodworking.com/project-guides/tables-and-desks/dining-table-shows-off-joinery
awesome thank you for linking that article!
Both appear to be half-laps with the one of the right having a decorative plate. Given the size and mass of the stretchers of the picture on the left, my only concern would be the narrow weak area created once you cut the half lap. Would be easy to break should the dry-fit or glue-up go awry.
Another option is to create a single "U" shaped stretcher and then attach the other two stretchers using loose tenons.
Yes I worry about the narrowness as well. Thanks for the suggestions
I'd bet that 4 parts were made up and fastened after. I find it unlikely that anyone would glue that up as a single panel and then cut out the "waste". I'm thinking bandsaw and then template routing.
Once the 4 parts are prepped the half lap could be made. While the parts are loose drill both sides for a long ash dowel on both sides of the half laps. Dust off the dowel plate! I'd go 3 or 4" into each side, make it snug but don't glue in the dowel, just glue the joint.
Finally make up a metal x-plate and install it under the joint.
Thanks MJ. Are you suggesting to reinforce the half lap joint with dowels or something else? Or perhaps you are suggesting to connect two of the four parts with dowels to the other two that have been half lapped. Sorry, I got a little confused.
I'm suggesting you build 4 legs, doweling the pairs together through the half lap material on each. Then back it up with a metal plate from below. This will reinforce all of that short-grain material at the thinnest point.
Excellent thank you! The drawing is perfect
I did a little hunting for other photos of this table and found the attached. Makes it a little more clear how the pieces work together. I like _MJ_'s suggestion.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/finewoodworking.s3.tauntoncloud.com/app/uploads/2021/12/14150925/Screenshot-12_14_2021-2_07_27-PM.png
Thanks Dave. You did a better job hunting than I did! I would love to see the source url if there was more info though the picture is very helpful.
You're welcome. I did a search on 1stDibs for 'brasilia table'. Picked this one because the finish doesn't obscure things so much. Square top instead of round but same base. Probably wouldn't be too difficult to develop a workable version and plan from the photos there.
https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/tables/side-tables/1960s-broyhill-brasilia-lacquered-white-wood-side-end-coffee-table/id-f_14815371/
Might not be any more complicated than a half lap joint. Might have a screw up from the bottom. If I were making it I might epoxy a threaded insert into the underside of the top leg and use a truss head or other low profile head machine screw to secure the two pieces.
And just screwing around. I don't think the chamfers are exactly right but probably close enough.
Couldn't leave this alone. Thinking about how I'd make the base for this table. Not really thrilled with the short grain in the middle so I figure a very well-fitted half lap will be important.
Oh man Dave, You've got it bad. I started thinking about bamboo plywood for this and found this... could be really pretty and super strong also:
https://sparrowpeak.com/bamboo/
Hey that would be cool.
Now I want to build one of these tables but I don't have time. :(
I built a project recently with bamboo ply, the stuff is nice to work with, but HEAVY. I paid about $300 for a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" material... so the $303 price at Lowes for the 30x72x1.75 seems reasonable, maybe even cheaper than the sheet price by the BdFt.
I was figuring on 1-1/4 in. thick for the legs on this table. About 2 bd ft in the boards as I show them cut for a single leg. Wouldn't be so bad in the bamboo stock.
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