Shaker Stool – Episode 3
Posted 22 July 2015
This is an episode in a free series. Want to watch it? It is free to do so, you just need to log into the site, and you can enjoy this video and many other videos we think you will love.
Paul introduces a joint that he calls the slope sided bridle joint with double recesses. He shows how to ensure strength and how to accurately layout and cut the recess to ensure a snug fit.
Interesting comment about splitting off the tail if the joint is too tight since mine split when testing it! 🙂 How would you “fix” this problem without starting over on the stretcher? Great project, my wife wanted one as soon as she saw it!
Either replace the rail or glue it back on. In every case there is usually a little extra tightness or a weaker grain line. You could glue it too an see how you feel–the glue being stronger than the wood and all that. Only issue you might have is once the sliding dovetails are glued it will be irreversible so if it breaks a second time you might not be able to repair it.
Paul,
Thanks for the response. That is exactly what I did. A little glue and some work with the spokeshave and scraper and you can hardly tell where the break is. I think when it is covered with the finish (if my wife can ever decide on the color :)) it will be completely hidden.
I love Wednesdays ! 🙂
Thank you for the lesson.
Paul, great episode and project. I am building a communion table for my church at the moment and am able to use some of the information for my project. I am creating a floating table top that will hold a fairly stout top. I wanted to inlet the top supports between the rails but feared a simple dado might pull out in time due to the weight. The sliding dovetail has proved to be the perfect joint. It gives the support but also resists the bowing due to the weight of the top (at least that is what I am hoping for). Thank you for not only teaching us through projects but also challenging us to think our way through to proper solutions. So much fun!
Obviously, the dialogue is invaluable. You are such a great teacher and you have taught long enough to anticipate the questions student s will have about each and every step you are demonstrating. However, after watching enough of your videos to start to anticipate the next step or technique, I find myself wishing I could watch you in “production” mode on a project (or portion of a project) without you stopping to make sure the viewers understand what you are doing. I think it would give me a better sense of what a journeyman looks like in the real world. I have found that I am getting true value for my money by subscribing to the Master Classes. Please keep it up!
Paul, what about making the slot in the spreader a bit more shallow. Would that give a bit more strength to the ear of the spreader?
Like anything else we do in life all of the sudden everything starts to click. I now see how all of the projects are about the process and how everything is transferable. I think I am almost ready to start designing. I am really happy now and must say thank you.
Thanks for the suggestion. yes, changes can be made but I don’t want everyone to think this is a real weakness issue. It’s not at all, just be aware of the need for accuracy. In actuality I applied considerable pressure to mine and there was no sign of possible fracture. I don’t think anything needs to change with this, just do what we should always be doing and work carefully.
Did Paul not use the other leg to measure the width of the groove rather than the top rail? That might explain why the line was a bit off.
‘Ooo it is an original Paul Sellers. We can sell this and retire…’ Great work Paul. Always love watching your videos.
I have to say, this design of joint is going to ensure a most rigid construction and the completed stool is certain to last for years. Many thanks for bringing this total design to our attention!
Just one small comment, may I respectfully suggest that by removing the half of the bridle joint first, the amount of work necessary to prepare the 1/8 inch deep sections would have been halved.