This project was built and designed by David from dk builds. It’s a compact trestle table made from solid cherry, blending traditional Japanese joinery with modern woodworking techniques.
David’s design was inspired by the clean lines and joinery methods commonly found in Japanese furniture. The table fits neatly into a kitchen breakfast nook and demonstrates how high-quality hardwood and thoughtful craftsmanship can elevate even a small dining space.
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Milling the Cherry Lumber
The build began with a fortunate find: a great deal on solid cherry boards. David sorted through the material and selected boards that matched in tone and grain, ideal for a cohesive tabletop.
To begin the milling process, he used a wire brush to clean the surfaces and remove any debris. The boards were then rough cut to length before heading to the jointer and planer for flattening.
Some of the wider boards exceeded the capacity of his jointer, so David switched to a hand plane to clean and square up the edges. This extra step ensured the boards would fit through the planer and glue up cleanly later.
Constructing the Tabletop
Once the boards were milled flat and square, David carefully arranged them to create a visually appealing top. He paid close attention to grain orientation and alternated the direction to reduce the risk of cupping and warping over time.
The boards were glued edge to edge, with clamps keeping them tightly aligned while drying. Matching the seams and maintaining a flat surface during glue-up was key to achieving a clean and even result.
Building the Leg Assemblies
David chose bridle joints to connect the vertical and horizontal members of the leg assemblies. After milling the components, he laid out the joints and made precise cuts to ensure tight fits.
Bridle joints offer both strength and simplicity and are especially suited for this type of structure. David cut the mortises and tenons with care, using both hand tools and machinery to fine-tune the joints.
With the legs cut and dry-fit, he chamfered the edges to soften the appearance and add comfort. These small details helped give the base a refined, finished feel.
Attaching the Legs to the Tabletop
The legs were connected to the top using screws inserted through elongated holes, which allow the tabletop to expand and contract with seasonal humidity changes. This technique preserves the table’s structure while respecting the movement of solid wood.
David also used wooden buttons for additional security in the connection, giving the piece both stability and flexibility over time.
Beveling the Tabletop Edge
To add visual interest to the tabletop, David beveled the edges by hand. Using a sharp hand plane, he worked carefully with the grain to avoid tear-out, paying attention to the direction of the fibers on each side.
This subtle chamfer elevated the overall design and helped lighten the appearance of the thick cherry top. It’s a small touch that reflects the influence of Japanese minimalism and attention to detail.
Crafting the Cross Support
A standout feature of the table is the wedge through tenon that connects the two leg assemblies. David designed the cross piece to pass through mortises in each leg and secure with angled purple heart wedges.
This traditional joinery method provides a strong mechanical connection that doesn’t rely on glue or fasteners. It’s also visually striking, especially with the contrasting dark purple wedges against the cherry wood.
Cutting the tenons and mortises required precision, and David took extra time to refine the fit before driving the wedges home. Once tapped in, the joinery locked the table together tightly.
Applying the Finish
For the final finish, David used multiple coats of wipe-on polyurethane. This choice provided durability while allowing the natural color and grain of the cherry to shine through.
He sanded between coats to keep the surface smooth and free of dust nibs. After a week of curing, the table was ready for final assembly.
Using careful measurements, David aligned the base with the tabletop and secured it into place. The result was a compact trestle table with rich tones, clean geometry, and enduring strength.
A Table That Blends Tradition and Practicality
This project combines traditional joinery with efficient shop techniques, resulting in a piece that is both elegant and practical. It highlights how hand tools and power tools can work together to produce a professional result.
David was pleased with the outcome, and the table has found a permanent place in his home. For woodworkers interested in trying their hand at a trestle-style build, this project offers plenty of learning opportunities along with a rewarding final product.
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