Console Table
Posted 20 June 2019
This is the introductory page for a paid video series. Want to watch more of this project? Select the best option below to get started.
INTRODUCTION
Paul introduces his unique design for a flat-stock constructed console table. The modern look to this new design belies a particular technique Paul feels is important for you to know–how to create a drawer front in an apron where the continuous grain seems almost unbroken, matching in both grain and colour. For this technique Paul relies solely on hand tools, which has never been shown on video anywhere before this series how-to. The elegant design, complete with a small drawer, is perfect for storing living essentials. This is an adaptable design that would complement any hallway, living room or dining room.
Tool List
- No. 4 Plane
- Square
- Chisels
- Chisel Hammer
- Mortise Guide
- No. 80 Scraper
- Knife
- Tenon Saw
- Handsaw
- Card Scraper
- File
- Rasp
- Mortise Gauge
- Square Awl
- Bullnose Plane (optional)
- No. 5 Plane (optional)
Guides
- Shooting Board
- Mortise Guide
Equipment (Optional)
- Drill Driver
Extra Info:
From Paul’s Blog:
“Today’s The Day I Make”
“Another Design”
“Yesterday”
That looks really lovely
Thanks for this terrific new project, Paul. I was just wondering if I wanted to put two drawers in instead of one, would this compromise the strength of the front panel too much, necessitating a different construction?
Hi Andrew,
I asked your question to Paul and his answer is below:
No, you can use the same method, however there are different problems that might occur and you have to work out what they are.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Just as you started this build my dearest mother asked me for a bedside table. The only catch was, it couldnt have a lower cupboard, as the space directly beneath where it is to be placed is a doggie door. Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Paul and Crew-
Exactly what I was looking to do. Only my table will have a granite top I have had in the shop for about 8 years.
Thank you.
I wish you had started this project 3 weeks ago. I’m just finishing a coffee table and I like the legs of this one much better for the size of the table.
Well, I’ll just have to build another one. I do need some small table around the house.
Side note: I so much want to make that chess board you did awhile back, but still don’t feel I have the ability yet. I thought that would have been an easy project until I watched you make it. Perhaps I will try it and put it in this table design.
This looks like just the project I was looking for as an office computer desk/ office work area if it can be sized up to be about 25% wider. Is that structurally within the limits of the plans? Please comment on that during the course.
Thanks.
Michael O.
USA
Hi Michael,
Paul says:
Yes, you can adjust the measurements to suit your needs.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Video will not load
Hi Michael,
I’m sorry to hear this, are you still having problems watching the video?
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Love these furniture projects. This one looks particularly nice.
Nice project, but what makes something a console table? I looked it up and got something about a table supported by consoles which are supposed to be ornamented brackets with scrolls or corbels. But that is not what Paul is making here. I know other uses of “console,” e.g., the big cabinets that they put around televisions and radios when I was young, but that does not seem to apply to this case either. not important, but I am curious.
In most stores here (Canada) a console table is a hallway/entryway table meant to be set against a wall in a hallway, or, sometimes, a sofa table. Probably ornamented in olden days, but I see the word used more in relation to function (i.e. used as an accent table) rather than form.
Thanks Selva! I guess the pictures I saw when I did a search fit that explanation pretty well. This suggests that at least some of the original meaning (consoles as involving corbels etc) got left behind at some point.
since when did they stop providing technical drawings
Hi,
The technical drawings can be accessed with a premium membership by clicking the link just below the intro video.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Great project! When does it start?
Paul, the table is very nice, clean design. I have one question if I may; the taper on top of the edge of the table, I’ve seen the taper or bevel on the bottom, usually to lighten the look of the top. I find it eye catching and compelling. I don’t remember seeing it before.
It’s a very nice look, however… I built a desk for my wife several years ago with a beveled edge like that. I was looking for a ‘ramp’ for her arms when resting from the keyboard. Works fine for that, but the downside is that anything inadvertently placed on the bevel ends up on the floor.
Hi Giorgio,
The first episode will be released on Wednesday.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Thanks Izzy!
I’ve been working the last few days on the small table that you built. I’m almost ready for t he glue up and now I can’t wait to build this new one also. It’s a beautiful table and I’m very grateful that you are going to share it with us.
Wonderful yet simple looking table. Looks like just the thing to give the dado jigs a go. I’m looking forward to this series.
Very nice. I am new to the site and wonder over what period of time the individual videos for this project are made available, i.e., all at once or one a week, etc.? Thank you.
Hi Christopher,
Thanks for your comment.
For a premium members, a new project episode is released every Wednesday, Console Table Episode 1 will be released tomorrow. To get notifications for these you can change your notification preferences to receive an email to alert you to a new episode.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Sir, Paul, love the beard! Oh, love the table too! LOL. Keep both of ’em! Glad to see new content coming up…missed ya! All the best!
I can’t wait until July 1st to sign up for the Masterclasses and watch this console table being built. Looking forward to joining the community.
Is the lantern on the table in the opening your work? Is there a project or construction sketches available for this? Can’t wait to start this.
https://woodworkingmasterclasses.com/videos/craftsman-style-lamp-project-info/
Thanks for the hand with the link.
Has anyone worked out which boards to buy at the big box store in order to get the best yield out of the cut list?
Hello there, I know this project does not include it but I am really hoping for one that will show Paul’s technique for cock beading around drawer fronts. I built the tool cupboard and although the videos did not show it, the final cupboard has the drawers and door panels cock beaded. I assume that this detail can be added after completion. Thanks for another great project here.
John
Hello John
Paul referred to cock beading when he built his mahogany Toolchest. There was a promise that it would be covered in a future video. I have not seen it come up. I too want to add cock beading to a project of mine and hope Paul decides to be included before too long. Fingers crossed! Jae
Making a poor man’s beading tool:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZnh7VHz_T4
Using it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryOcRnkz92U
There are also various post about it on the blog; search for beading.
Are there any guidelines on scaling this design? In particular, if the drawer is omitted, can the legs be narrowed? (By ~1/2″.) Can the rail height be reduced? (~3/8″.) Assuming the other dimensions are the same….
I’m willing to suck it and see, but it’s probably obvious to you experienced guys whether this design is already at its limits. Thanks for any insights,
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Paul says:
Probably I wouldn’t change the sizing, but I think they can be narrower and the height can be any height you want.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Thanks.
Hi, just wondering if you’d have any thoughts on how narrow (front to back) this could be without bumping into issues in either design or practical ones?!
I’ve got a piece of 40mm thick 270mm deep Oak that I’m thinking about using for a hall table, but I’m not experienced enough to picture this table that narrow or with a top that thick.
Thanks
Gareth
Hi Gareth,
Paul says:
The only issue is the depth of the table front to back, the higher the table goes, the less stable it will be.
Kind Regards,
Izzy
Hi Paul,
For making a drawer in a table like this, how do you prevent the drawer from hanging down as it comes out? I mean, I see the drawer slides for the bottom of the drawer, but I don’t see any slides supporting it coming out parallel along the top of the drawer. Is that something you might, for example, add for a slightly bigger drawer carrying heavier items?
Thanks!
Tom Wright
I asked Paul and his reply was:
You can put a piece of wood on the underside the same thickness as the apron so that when the drawer is pulled out it hits the strip of wood.