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VKD
33 posts
and
1 follower
in over 10 years
in over 10 years
Order of assembly
I am going to build the above piece of furniture. I have divided the project into three parts, the top, middle and base. Making the top “box” and cutting the middle and base pieces is pretty straight forward. As I look at the piece I will assemble the three legs and middle shelf using dados. I will then mount the top to legs using screws. It looks like the legs connect to the front and back of the inside of the top “box”. I will then flip the piece and use screws to mount the base to the three legs. How would you guys assemble the piece?
9 Replies
If you are using plywood for the top and/or base, the easiest way would be to screw the legs on, as you suggested. If you are using solid wood for construction, you may end up with problems from wood movement if you screw it all together. If I was building this out of solid wood, I’d probably mortise and tenon the legs to the bottom and screw the top to the legs with elongated screw slots to account for wood movement.
Rob, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Manitario, thanks for the response. This is exactly the help I was looking for. I do plan on using solid wood for the whole piece and will take your advice. Thanks again,
No prob, that’s what this site is for!
Rob, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Ditto what Manitario said,spot on.
woodworking classes, custom furniture maker
if you use screw I would make the screw hole about 1/8 oversize. I think they call it oblong.
That way the wood can still move. be it top or bottom.
I think screwing the bottom to the leg won’t be solid in the long run.
I like the mortise and tenon idea.
Abbas, Castro Valley, CA
Any updates on your build ?
woodworking classes, custom furniture maker
Jim, I’ve milled the lumber and sketched out the curved cut lines. Right now it’s too hot in the garage to be working out there. Thanks for asking, I’ll keep you up to date.
I can certainly understand the too hot situation,I can’t take heat either,there’s plenty of time to put it together.
woodworking classes, custom furniture maker
It sounds like you have a good plan for assembling the piece of furniture. Here are a few additional tips to consider:
When making the dados for the legs and middle shelf, it's important to be precise with your measurements and cuts to ensure a tight fit. Consider using a jig or template to ensure consistency.
Before mounting the top to the legs, make sure to pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting the wood. It's also a good idea to use wood glue in addition to screws for added stability.
When flipping the piece to mount the base to the legs, consider using clamps or weights to hold the legs in place while you attach the base. This will ensure a secure and even attachment.
After assembling the piece, consider sanding and finishing it with a protective coating to enhance its durability and appearance.
Overall, it sounds like you have a good plan for track the piece, and with careful attention to detail, it should come together nicely.
When making the dados for the legs and middle shelf, it's important to be precise with your measurements and cuts to ensure a tight fit. Consider using a jig or template to ensure consistency.
Before mounting the top to the legs, make sure to pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting the wood. It's also a good idea to use wood glue in addition to screws for added stability.
When flipping the piece to mount the base to the legs, consider using clamps or weights to hold the legs in place while you attach the base. This will ensure a secure and even attachment.
After assembling the piece, consider sanding and finishing it with a protective coating to enhance its durability and appearance.
Overall, it sounds like you have a good plan for track the piece, and with careful attention to detail, it should come together nicely.
