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I was asked many times about my method of making a piece of furniture with joinery. I will try to share with you this project that I have just finished. This is a entry way bench for the client to sit and remove their shoes before going upstairs. The shelf on the bottom is to place the shoes. The client specifically requested that I not make it with a back rest. I may get around to making it again with a back rest.

This is the assembled bench prior to sanding and finishing.



As you can see, there are many joints used in the construction.



For the legs to connect to the top rail, I used a bridle joint. This joint prevents any movement of the leg and is stronger then a tenon joint, It also adds a feature to the bench.



The legs are connected to the bottom rail using a half dovetail. This dovetail will be locked into place by the shorter cross rail using a wedged tenon. This could also be an interlocking tenon, but I prefer this method most times.



The top cross rails all use stopped dovetails. The two outer ones insert from the top downwards. The two middle ones insert from below upwards. Reason. The outer rails will carry the downwards pressure of the arm rests see later pic. The two inner ones will be fastened to the seat and will prevent the seat from ever coming off.



The pieces that make up the lower shelf are fitted using a mortise and tenon joint. Note that there is a gap of 4 mm between each board. This is to allow for expansion and contraction of the timber. The tenon is only glued in the middle of each board to help with this expansion etc.



To fasten the seat to the lower frame, I use table blocks. These allow for expansion and contraction and also easy removal of the seat if needed.

This next pic shows the base assembled.



For the arm rests, I used steam bent uprights that have a wedged tenon that will insert into the arm rest.



The arm rest assembly is inserted into the slots on the cross rail.



This arm rest assembly is designed to use leverage principals. Downward pressure on the armrest puts downward pressure on the cross rail. This is why we used the stopped dovetail inserted from the top. The toe or end of the uprights puts pressure upwards on the bottom of the seat. This toe part will have a screw inserted to keep it in its position. There is no glue used on this as it can not go anywhere once installed.

This last pic shows the arm rest and the seat assembled. Note that I have left room around the uprights and the seat to also allow for expansion and contraction. I really hammer this point to allow for contraction as it can ruin a great piece that you have put your heart and soul into.



I have used terms for the joints that I was taught. I have found over the years that many joints have different names in different locations so I hope you will be able to follow my terminology.

There are no nails used in this piece. There are 8 screws used for the table blocks to fasten the seat to the frame and 4 screws to lock the arm rests in position.

I forgot to take pictures of this piece before the client picked it up. I will get some soon and upload them so you may see the finished project. Old age I guess. :)

I hope this simple blog will help someone in their furniture making experience.

Thanks for reading and feedback is always welcome.

Gallery

Comments

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20,030 Posts
Very cool. Thanks for the tutorial.
 

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4,124 Posts
George, great design and a lot of thought. Bridal joints aren't easy. Thanks for this visual presentation.

Nice work!
 

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35 Posts
George, great design and a lot of thought. Bridal joints aren t easy. Thanks for this visual presentation.

Nice work!

- DocSavage45
Especially curved ones Doc.

Thanks.
 

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1,309 Posts
Wow! Thank you for sharing the details of how this was constructed. As someone new to woodworking I appreciate posts like this that show me how as well as why various methods were used. Could you share what type of wood and what finish you used?
 

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122 Posts
Impresive joinery and curves also, great and inovative design.
 

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5,279 Posts
Very nice work and a very good tutorial.
 

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54 Posts
Thanks George. Fine work all around. Well done.
 

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4,477 Posts
Thanks for the break-down. Beautiful piece !
 

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1,434 Posts
I love the joinery details and the look of the finished product. Thanks for showing all the details.
 

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84 Posts
very well done! Thanks for taking the time to show and explain your methods
 

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5 Posts
Thanks for sharing. Love the design and workmanship.
 

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18,919 Posts
that is beautiful,love love it.
 

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35 Posts
Wow! Thank you for sharing the details of how this was constructed. As someone new to woodworking I appreciate posts like this that show me how as well as why various methods were used. Could you share what type of wood and what finish you used?

- BB1
Hi. The wood I used on this one was recycled Narra. Thanks for the comments.
 

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Just added two photos of finished piece client sent me.
 

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54 Posts
More good stuff from you George. Thanks for sharing. Fine work.
 
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