Woodworker's Journal 2009-33-2, страница 32

Classic Drop-leaf Table

By Frank Grant

Useful in a variety of settings, from dining room to game or craft rooms, this table's Shaker heritage allows it to blend into any decor —from country to ultra-modern.

A version of this table appeared almost 20 years ago on the cover of The Woodworker's Journal (photo below). For our 21st century version, we spruced up the drawer construction and chose fiddleback maple instead of the original pine, but the classic lines and practical nature remain a part of this timeless project.

This project was a little different right from the beginning. First of all, editor Rob Johnstone brought me a 20-year-old plan to work from, as opposed to working out the design between us. Secondly, he showed me a pile of highly figured maple and said "pick out some good stuff."

And that lumber was quite impressive. Whether you call it curly, flame or fiddleback maple, you have to call it beautiful. Blending that lumber with the Shaker aesthetic took this lovely little table design from practical to nearly perfect.

Once I got my cache of lumber over to the shop, I spent some time (as is my custom) deciding which board or parts of a board go where in the table. I used four wide planks of similar figure for the top and leaves. The rest became components for the glued-up legs and the remaining pieces. In the name of

32 April 2009 Woodworker's Journal