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Need help with my first table.

2K views 18 replies 10 participants last post by  BlasterStumps 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hello! I have been building a table out of black Walnut (gifted to me), this is my first table and I have been very taken by this project. Being my first table I have several questions. We are making a 6ft x 3ft 3in table top, I was planning on using 4"x1" Walnut boards for legs. My plan was to cut slots at the half way point so when butted next to each other they run flush and put wood glue in the slot to give them extra strength. Then would have a 6×1 run the length of the table to keep the legs from buckling in or out. My question is, is that leg design going to be strong enough to hold the weight of the table? Also would be having 5/16" bolts connecting the legs to the table and the legs to the board holding the legs together. Is that overkill?
 
#3 ·
I agree with dhazelton. With a table 3" thick x 36" x 72" I would think legs in the order or 4" sq. tapered or turned would be more suitable.
 
#5 ·
I am having difficulty visualizing your table design, given in your description. A picture will help us give you better answers. 1" by 4" legs will definitely support the weight of the table but may look out of scale with the rest of the table, given how thick the top is. The biggest concern with table legs is not whether they can support the table but wracking. A good design prevents wracking.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
Welcome to Ljs
As others have said your design needs some tweaking to be a more viable table. I suggest you at least take a look at some of the photos of tables online perhaps under images. If your planning on using 1×4" legs because that's the thickest material you have 1 " material can be glued together to make thicker legs.The kind of wood you have is expensive so it would be better to have a drawing and figure out the joinery before you move forward. I start teaching a class on table making next week for my local community college. Take a look here they have some plans that might work for what you want.

https://www.woodsmithplans.com/search/?search_term=table&page=5
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
The drawing looks like a picnic table or a utility kitchen table. Is that the intended use? If not I would work on a better leg design. As Jim indicated, study other table designs a bit before starting.
Using a lap joint where the table legs cross is going to weaken them some but if they are good and tight and well glued it should work but I would not be confident in it. Just don't jump on top and do a jig. LOL Two inch thick material would be better.
You indicated you were adding a "stretcher" between the legs. That will be necessary for lateral stability.
I would also stagger the bolt pattern where the legs attach to the top cross piece to avoid splitting the wood on the cross piece.

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#11 ·
Yes, I do have a stretcher, forgot to put that in the drawing earlier today. Staggering the bolts is a good idea, thank you. Do you think the table top will be sturdy enough as is?

- Muffinmanaf
In my skeptical opinion those legs are just not heavy enough but your can try and if not figure out how to "beef" them up…..maybe laminate two 1×4s together. I would eliminate the lap joint where they cross and just fasten them together with the bolts.
 
#14 ·
Ripper that is a great looking table but I do find one small design fault. The flat board across the bottom of the legs could cause some rocking if the floor is not level but I guess you could always shim it.

- LesB
Agreed. But I thought it was an adequate real world example that maintained the OP's design parameters. I don't think his using 1"x4" legs is a good idea but ripping them and making 2"x2"'s could be a solution that might work.
 
#15 ·
That table looks wonderful and I do like the idea to rip them to make 2×2's. After ripping them would they be wood glued together? Would they then be able to be slotted together? Also your middle runner for the legs, how do you have that attached?

New to this, sorry for the amateur questions but greatly appreciate the help!
 
#16 ·
That table looks wonderful and I do like the idea to rip them to make 2×2 s. After ripping them would they be wood glued together? Would they then be able to be slotted together? Also your middle runner for the legs, how do you have that attached?

New to this, sorry for the amateur questions but greatly appreciate the help!

- Muffinmanaf
Those were just pics I found online. Not my table.

Yes, on the glue for assembly and lots of it. The middle runner appears to be mortis and tenon through half lapped leg joints.
 
#18 ·
My opinion is that the design does not provide enough reinforcement to prevent racking. The 2 X 4 is not adequate. I also agree that thin, flat legs are not be in proportion to the rest of the design and will look odd, even if they are strong enough. I am sorry if I sound overly critical but I am assuming you wanted honest opinions.

Definitely want honest opinions, appreciate them all, blunt or not. I'd rather figure this all out now rather than having to remake the legs after cutting.
- ArtMann
 
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