OK, I think I may abandon the log table base idea. My plan B is to build a table similar to this style out of 3″ thick redwood slab. Top will be 54″ x 72″. Theslab legs will be 27″ x 27″ joined by two 6 x 42 +/- side rails. With the ends of my rails, 3″ thick x 6″ long, what dimensions should I use for the tenons? And can I cut the mortises with a router?
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Has this plan B now been abandoned for the slats and laps plan?
Perhaps
This is for a house I'm in contract on. I don't have the house or the materials yet, so I have plenty of time to consider design. With this base or the slats and laps though, my question is the same. With 27" slabs for the legs, when cutting the mortises, do I need to do anything in particular to accomodate movement in those legs?
Yur dimensions are confusing me
Don't mean to be picky but you say, "Theslab legs will be 27" x 27" joined by two 6 x 42 +/- side rails."
Huh? I'm assuming you mean the legs are 27" long, but what thickness/width? 6 x 42 what? Assuming inches I'm missing a dimension, thickness again. then I see they are 3" thick x 6" long? I know, being well, a PITA!? Sorry but from the pic I think yur table won't look quite the same, :-). Or I'm full of you know what?
With the pic I think Iknow what you mean, but..... Can ye clarify it for this old man?
Regards,
Everything is 3" thick
Sorry if I wasn't clear. Every will be cut from the same slab. So my legs are 27" high x 27" wide x 3" thick.
Thanks
Just me... SO worth free?
And to Bob.. HI!
You say 3 inch thick slabs. What I will say in the following is based on a large table I made for by sister-in-law, maybe 10 years ago. Something like that...
It was made from mostly clear, straight grained redwood, with several tight knots. As I recall, the table was a 'bit' smaller that what you show. About 6.5 feet long by 4.5 five feet wide. The table legs and aprons were approximately 2.750 inches thick. The top was made from a glue-up of two slabs (marine adhesive and a 1 inch thick spline, on center) . It was made from reclamed redwood so I have no idea of the wood's age. Sizes stated are from my old memory so I could be off by a bit or two....
It was very durable AND very stable. The table has been outside on a raised deck since I made it. Sort of the like the Postman.. rain, sleet, hot sun, and snow. It delivered!
I do NOT use redwood that often, but from my experience, it is very stable. The grain will raise a bit if exposed to sun/snow/rain Etc.... It is a very wonderful wood. I would use common woodworking practices when using it. Not many woods are more forgiving.
And then again you could make a test from some scraps (if you have some) and expose it to the environment it will be exposed to. Inside a house it should last forever! I used marine glue because I knew it would br outside all the time.....
Indooors... I have no idea.
I used 'standard'?... 2/3rd length tenons. I am not sure, but I think, the tenon height/width allowed for a shoulder of about 1/4 inch on each edge for 'show'.
Again.. Just me....
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