Woodworker's Journal Shaker-Trestle-Table, страница 5

Cut square and plane to the correct thickness the stock needed to make the

stretcher (C), the two cross-braces (D), and the cleat (E).

Transfer the illustrated grid patterns for the cross braces and cleat to the

stock.

Use the dado-head to notch the cross-braces as shown.

Use the bandsaw to cut the profiles for the cross braces and the cleat.

Notch both the stretcher and cleat as shown in the corresponding detail.

Drill and counterbore the cross-braces and cleat for woodscrews where

indicated.

Mortise the stretcher to accept the 5/16" machine nuts. NOTE: The mortises are located so that the 6" bolts will extend about 3/4" through the nuts.

Cut four wood plugs to fill these mortises (see detail). Test-assemble the table's trestle frame.

Use a drill guide or a jig to drill out for the 5/16" x 6" long hex head machine bolts (two on each end). NOTE: It is impossible to drill these holes with a hand-held drill so that they are at right angles to the legs. A drill guide or a jig will insure that the holes are aligned so they will carry through to the center of the nut mortises in the stretcher.

Check to make sure that the bridle joints fit the feet and cross braces and make adjustments as necessary.

Glue the feet and cross-braces into their corresponding bridle joints when everything looks satisfactory. NOTE: Do not glue the stretcher to the legs, as this will override the knockdown capability of the table, which was the primary reason the Shakers employed a machine nut and bolt assembly system.

Select stock with a relatively uniform and clear grain, free of knots and other defects to make the table top (F).

Use simple butt-type glue edges to assemble the stock for the top, arranging the grain direction as desired.

Equip the router with a 1/4" bearing guided wing cutter.

Make several passes to cut the tongue and groove dado for the breadboard

ends (G) with several passes.

Cut and plane the two breadboard ends to achieve the correct dimensions. Glue the ends securely in place, taking care to make the joint right, because its integrity will control the overall dimensional stability of the table top. Use 1-1/2" wood screws to assemble the table top to the base as indicated. Again, do not use glue here.