Popular Woodworking 2004-11 № 144, страница 63

Here you can see that I used a Forstner bit to remove the majority of the waste, then I hand-cut the dovetail socket. Transfer these shapes to the rail to complete the joinery on the top rail.

Dovetails, Tenons and Finery

At the end of the cabriole legs article, we had completed the shaping of the legs and had made the mortises to accept the back, sides and lower front apron.

The front top rail is attached to each leg with a single dovetail. Lay out and cut a V^'-long x ³/4"-deep dovetail into each leg for the front top rail. Then use the completed pin socket to create the tail on the two ends of the top rail.

Next, you need to cut tenons on the back, sides and front apron. Use the mortises cut in the leg posts to size the tenons. Notice that I used double tenons for the

back and sides. Because these boards are so wide, the double tenon allows for wood expansion, and avoids cracks or splits in the aprons.

Once the tenons are cut, use the patterns at right to lay out the decorative details on the aprons. This is actually simple work and can be done using a band saw or, if necessary, a jigsaw. Take your time making the cuts, and then carefully sand the profiles to remove the saw marks. It's tempting to gloss over this step, but once the finish is on the table, any leftover saw marks will detract from the final appearance of the project.

To make the double tenon, first form one complete tenon on the ends, then use a hand saw to divide the tenons. Then chisel out the center.

After laying out the pattern for the apron details, use either a band saw or jigsaw to cut out the pattern, then sand the edges smooth.

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The front apron extender fits between the front legs and has a mortise on either end that will hold the drawer runners in position.

The frame is glued together in stages. Install the sides in the front frame mortises, putting glue only in the front frame. Then place the back frame in position (without glue) to hold everything while clamping the front joints.

62 Popular Woodworking November 2004