| Project by RobH | posted 661 days ago | 1287 views | 0 times favorited | 13 comments | ![]() |
![]() |
As I sat and started pondering my project for the 2×4 contest, I wanted to make something that I could use. I started thinking about what to make and came up with several ideas all of which I rejected for one reason or another. I was finally at the end of my project list. So, I had consigned myself to making something that we did not need. Making something for the sake of making it.
As I sat and thought about what to make, I thought about how minimal a 2×4 was for a project. As I went down that thought line, I naturally came to Shaker furniture. Not only did the Shakers try to squeeze every bit of usefulness out of a piece of wood, but they also made a lot of their furniture out of pine. So, finally I ran across this little round side table. That is what I will build.
The table is built out of one eight foot 2×4. It stands approximately 25” tall and is about 16” in diameter. It is finished with three coats of satin polyurethane that was brushed on. The legs are joined to the pedestal with sliding dovetail joints.
The best thing about the project is that it ended up being a project we could use. My wife said we could use this as a night stand for one of our bedrooms that we are in the process of transitioning to a guest room. Before she came up with that idea I had promised the table from this contest to another friend. So, what did I do? I ended building two. Both turned out good.
I really enjoyed this project. It gave me a reason to get out the lathe and make some furniture, and it really challenged me on some of my woodworking skills. I learned a lot from the project, and I improved my skill set. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome and will have one of the products in the house to look at and admire.
Since I asked on here about a jig to make the dovetails in the pedestal to attach the legs, I will post a project in the near future about the making of that jig. I need to get a couple of other things done first though.
Thanks to all for the sense of community here. It is really a great place. Good luck to all of my fellow contest entrants.
-- -- Rob Hix, King George, VA































13 comments so far
Karson
home | projects | blog
25794 posts in 1292 days
posted 661 days ago
Great looking shaker table. Nice job and congratulations on completing.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
sandhill
home | projects | blog
608 posts in 816 days
posted 661 days ago
Nice use of a 2X4
-- Sell it here> http://woodworkerslist.com
rikkor
home | projects | blog
11338 posts in 766 days
posted 660 days ago
Amazing the things coming out of a single 2×4.
Russel
home | projects | blog
2057 posts in 831 days
posted 660 days ago
Dem Shakers knew how to stretch a board and so do you. It’s a great table and an added bonus that you can use it in the house.
-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
14159 posts in 1052 days
posted 660 days ago
wonderful table!!
and a request for a second. Now that’s a compliment.
Great job.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
mrtrim
home | projects | blog
1700 posts in 772 days
posted 660 days ago
nice work rob ! i like the shaker style . good luck !
YorkshireStewart
home | projects | blog
782 posts in 793 days
posted 660 days ago
That’s a beautiful table Rob. Nice train of thought leading you to the Shaker style.
What a great competition this has turned out to be. Between us, we’re well towards furnishing a room from 2×4s, with tables, chairs, cupboards and even a birdcage. Wonder whether Douglas can PhotoShop a montage?
-- Res severa verum gaudium - True pleasure is a serious business. http://www.folksy.com/shops/TreeGems
relic
home | projects | blog
342 posts in 828 days
posted 660 days ago
Amazing what people are making with just a couple of board feet of wood. The table is really nice.
-- Andy Stark
Scott Bryan
home | projects | blog
20538 posts in 714 days
posted 660 days ago
Nice looking table. I am a fan of Shaker furniture. While seemingly simplistic in design these pieces nonetheless are a challenge to one’s woodworking skills.
Great job. And congratulations on finishing before the deadline.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Mario
home | projects | blog
883 posts in 943 days
posted 660 days ago
great looking table.
-- Hope Never fails
SPalm
home | projects | blog
944 posts in 774 days
posted 660 days ago
“For the sake of making it.” Nice attitude and very nice piece.
Yes please post on the sliding dovetail jig. I am very interested.
Again, fantastic job,
Steve
-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon
CharlieM1958
home | projects | blog
7599 posts in 1110 days
posted 660 days ago
Another great 2×4! Excellent work, Rob.
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
DAN
home | projects | blog
6438 posts in 875 days
posted 660 days ago
nice work ! never saw a nicer pine shaker table
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever