Woodworker's Journal 2004 Summer, страница 48

Picnic Table Benches

These kidney-shaped, Spanish cedar benches are perfect complements to the circular picnic table project on page 48.

By John English

These lightweight benches are designed specifically to match the preceding picnic table project. They allow two people to sit between each pair of table legs. While the bench tops are kidney-shaped to pick up the curve of the tabletop, the legsets are rectangular and easy to build. The quantities given in the Material List, on page 58, are enough to build three benches.

Start by building two A-frames for the legs of each bench. Cut the rails and legs (pieces 1, 2 and 3) to the Material List sizes (see page 58), and

shape the ends of the legs using the Elevation Drawings on the next page.

Drill counterbored pilot holes for attaching the legs to the leg rails, and glue and screw the parts together. Use your drill press and a plug cutter to make plugs (pieces 4) to cap the screw heads.

Cut the seat rails and stretcher (pieces 5 and 6) to size and follow the Elevation Drawings on the next page to locate them on the side assemblies. Counterbore the screw holes and use glue and screws to draw these pieces together. Follow

up with plugs on the lower rails. You won't need them on the top because end slat supports (pieces 7) are attached to the outside face of each A-frame with glue and clamps. Once they're in place, rip some stock to make the leg appliques (pieces 8). Trim these to length (the cuts are angled), then glue and clamp them to the legs.

Forming the Bench Seats

Each seat's slats (pieces 9) are held in place by glue and screws driven up through four cleats (pieces 10 and 11).

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Outdoor Projects Summer 2004 £