Woodworker's Journal Chinese-Tea-Table, страница 5

Fit the stretchers (G) individually by partially assembling (without glue) the table, placing the aprons with their dovetails into the grooves in the legs. NOTE: The stretchers are fitted one at a time as they are mated to the cutout surfaces of the legs, for which the leg cutout and sanding process provides only imprecise depth control.

Make sure the raw cut edge of the rails is on top and will remain higher than the leg tops by 1/4" when correctly placed.

Number the legs and sides so that you can recreate this same parts relationship later.

Square the table carefully.

Measure the distance on each side from leg to leg at the mortise point to get the correct length for the stretchers. Form the tenons.

Mark the stretchers according to the pattern. Band saw the stretchers to shape.

Use a drum sander, being sure to turn with the grain and not into it, to final

smooth the stretchers.

Final sand all finished pieces.

Test assemble the parts by first assembling the stretchers (G) into each of the legs (H).

Continue the test by adding the aprons (B), which will be 1/4" above the top of the legs.

Test-place a band clamp around the outsides of the legs at a height between

the aprons and stretchers. NOTE: Once the clamp is tightened the assembly

will take on a rigidity that will allow squaring the legs.

Finish testing when you feel all is satisfactory.

Glue each joint generously as it is being assembled.

Finish the assembly quickly, but with care.

Clamp the assembly.

Make sure everything is square.

Select a pieces of 1" x 3" stock from which to construct the top frame (D),

which holds the glass as well as providing structural rigidity.

Cut four lengths, each just over 20".

Examine each pieces for the face with the best appearance.

Mark the opposite faces.

Use a dado blade to cut, in each marked face 3/4" from one edge (and therefore 1" from the other edge), a groove 3/4" wide and 1/4" deep. Turn the pieces over and mark the top edge farthest from the groove (over the 1" surface left after grooving).