careful that the shelf is tight to the support and equally spaced
from the edges of the side. Then turn the parts over and follow
the same procedure for nailing the other side in place.Attach the top
The top is made of two pieces of 2x8 Western cedar, centered over
the table ends and attached with more pole-barn nails. Crosscut
the two pieces to length as you did the base parts.Before attaching the top, use a block plane held at an ap-
proximately 45° angle to chamfer the ends and sides of both top
pieces. I prefer to chamfer more heavily on the bottom edges and
plane more lightly on the top edges. Keep in mind the need to
do both top boards the same. I count strokes of the plane, using
the same number on each part to ensure equal chamfers. Leave
the center edges (where the two parts of the top will meet) only
lightly chamfered.Drive dowels in place using another dowel. This protects the rounded ends from the hammer. Also, use a water-resistant glue.Hold the table down with your
weight. Use a^7 ⁄ 8 -in. auger bit in a(^1) ⁄ 2 -in. drill.
Variations
First assemble the table
with screws in place of the
nails. Then remove one
screw at a time and replace
it with a^7 ⁄ 8 -in.-diameter
dowel, left proud of the top
and with a rounded head.
Assemble
your tA ble
with dowels
98 FINE woodworkINg
FWSIP27OP-ST.indd 98 1/31/13 12:20 PM