Assembly Table – episode 3
Posted 4 November 2015
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Paul describes and cuts an arc in each end of the undercarriage and then shapes the legs to remove some visual and physical weight. With that done the table can be assembled. The next step is adding two rails dovetailed into crossbearers to support the top. There are two more episodes to come on fitting a top with rebated edging.
Excellent stuff – as usual…
I can see many uses for this type of ‘knock-down table.
Keep up the good work – I never tire of seeing you perform. Thank you.
Wonderful idea Paul. Thanks for all the projects. I might make this one myself.
So many projects, so little time!
I may be the only one, but I have real reservations about this design. Because of the design with the weak short grain at the corners, I think there could be sudden unexpected failure if there was significant lateral stress (as when sliding a heavy item onto the top). Instead of gradual creaking joint failure (providing some warning) I am concerned about sudden complete failure of the entire table. I think it would be safe for most things, but would not put a heavy item on this table unless significant changes were made. I’m sure it can withstand a lot of weight in a purely vertical direction, but any torsion or twist would concern me. I’m probably wrong, but I just wanted to express my concern so that maybe people might be a tiny bit more cautious.
You could call yours ‘The glass half-empty table’
🙂
I know what you mean CD about the joint failing – I wonder if the table top itself would prevent that kind of movement however, I suspect it would add a lot of strength overall.
Interesting observation I think you need to use the table for what it is designed for, always taking into consideration matching use with design. I think Paul is going for a quickly assembled table that balances speedy construction with a relatively solid end product. Of course any table will fail if you load it and rack it enough. It will be interesting to see what rigidity the top provides when attached. If you send him some oak maybe he would make a video of loading it to failure.
I have been looking at Japanese joints and carpentry. I think this joint is a major load bearing joint for temples that are several stories high, no nails or screws. I have watched several you tubes and in one there is a reference to withstanding earthquakes which would be the lateral movement. Enjoy!
Building Without Nails The Genius of Japanese Carpentry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMtSc2MJLcw
Your concern is unfounded. I have used this joint myself and it is on of the strongest known for knockdown(for a better word) construction. The secret is the precisely made joint. If it is not made correctly, the lateral motion you mention comes into play and the joint will fail.
I always enjoy your videos. Thank you.
Simple yet useful table. I already have a torsion box “glue up”/ “finish” table or I would give this some thought for one. Thanks for your ideas and craftmanship. Always a joy to watch you work.
Thank you for the lesson.
Thanks Paul, you know I’m glad that no one else is doing what you are with the Masterclass series , I fear that it would only complicate matters by confusing us viewers. I know from my experience that’s what hurt me for many years now especially in sharpening. I also like the way you freehand curves just using your eyes . I notice that your always saying things like , look at the grain direction, listen to the sound and can you smell that fresh cut wood. Or can you feel how smooth that is. Your allowing people to use their senses . Atleast four out of five. I haven’t seen you eat a piece of timber ,”yet” but I’m sure willing or not it has happened. Lol. My point being that not only does doing this help us become better wood craftsman, doing the most with the very least but it’s also a way of captivating the audience’s attention . For we as humans can only believe what we understand . And when we hear, see, touch, smell and taste it’s then that were able to Believe . Believing allows us to grow when doubt holds us back. This is why you get so many cudo’s in your replies. Your viewers are using atleast four our of their five senses so you have there undivided attention. And you help them to Believe in themselves. In the 20 years of my educating process. I maybe met four to five teachers with this knowledge of the human Brain, and you can bet that the grade average of their students reflected how effective this was. For some people this comes natural, teaching this way , and after all it is our most” Basic instinct”…. Keep up the great work you are doing here. There are so many lives out here that need this even if they don’t become Master Craftsman in woodworking . it just might help them to believe in theirselves ,and then ….. their possibilities are unlimited.
Is it important that the end rails go on the outside, could we instead put them on the inside?
Hello Ted,
Could you clarify what you mean? Not sure I fully understand the question.
Best, Phil
Is there a reason that the cross bracing could not have been dovetailed directly to the top of the side rails rather than adding the extra support?
Thanks.
Adding the extra pieces does add strength and rigidity and give you something additional to screw into. No other reason not too, apart from that.
I really enjoyed this Masterclass! I’ve been looking for a while for a suitable design that is not too difficult for a novice like me to build. The sturdiness, clean lines and excellent joints used in the project make it ideal for my replacement desk at work. I also love the fact that I can disassemble it and put it in my very small compact car and reassemble it easily.