I have been asked to build 2 benches approximately 70″ long with no arms. The benches are to be rustic and very simple. See if I can describe one. There is to be one back support about 6″ wide to be attached/supported by two vertical boards. My question is how to attach the two vertical back supports to the seat and/or legs in order to ensure adequate strength. (I know how I will attach them to the back support.) The legs will flair out, be held in place with a stretcher and a cross brace. My thought is to cut squared supports and to put them through a mortise in the seat and attach to the back of the legs. Another possiblility is that since the seat will be about 2″ thick I could turn a two inch tenon and secure it in the seat bottom with a wedge in the end. But is that enough strength? The seat will be about 17 ” wide. I don’t know how to draw a picture. If this stimulates any thoughts out there I would appreciate your suggestions.
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Replies
Is there some reason the rear legs can't simply extend high enough to support the back rest, which is a typical construction method? Slainte, RJ.
Sgian: Obviously the best method but I don't have wide enough boards to cut the sweep and they can't be straight-need some slant to the back. I'm not about to steam bend them. Thanks for the thought.
Terry
Would a long scarf joint be out of the question? This way you could make a tall back leg that 'turns the corner' with your narrow stock and avoid steam bending. Some might see the glue line as ugly, but you could make a feature of it, adding decoratively contrasting timber cross pegging, etc.. Just a thought. The Japanese have a long history of this kind of joinery. Slainte, RJ.RJFurniture
Great idea. I think I'll try a model and see how it looks. I think it would be structurally strong enough. Best idea I've heard and worth a shot.
Terry
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