Looking to take on a challenging yet rewarding woodworking project? Wes from Woodworking With Wes has made an impressive guide to recreating a stylish table inspired by West Elm.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 1 inch thick oak boards
- Wood glue
- Table saw
- Miter saw
- Box joint jig
- Craig stop and track stop
- Stack dado set
- Band saw
- Edge sander
- Router
- Sandpaper (120 and 150 grit)
- True black Minwax stain
- Clear lacquer
- Mounting brackets
Step 1: Preparing the Wood
The first step in this project is to prepare the oak boards. Wes starts by planing the 1 inch thick oak down to 7/8 inch and gluing them together to achieve a thickness of 1-3/4 inches. The pieces are then sized to 4 inches wide and 1-3/4 inches thick, ready for further cutting.
Step 2: Creating the Center Bridge
Next, Wes focuses on the center bridge that will cross between the four legs. Using his table saw and box joint jig, he prepares for a half-lap joint. After marking where the joint will be, he makes two cuts and removes the material in between to complete the joint.
Step 3: Cutting the Legs to Length
With the half-lap joint completed, it’s time to cut the legs to length. Wes sets his miter saw to a 4-degree angle and cuts one end of the legs. He uses a Craig stop to ensure all legs are cut to the same length and angle.
Step 4: Creating the Tongue and Groove Joints
Wes labels the outside and top of each leg and begins to create a tongue on the inside using a stack dado set. The goal is to create a tongue that is 3/4 inch wide and 1/2 inch deep, which will fit snugly with the cross piece.
Step 5: Making the Corresponding Groove
After the tongue is made, Wes moves on to create the corresponding groove in the cross piece. He adjusts the dado set to the correct height and depth to ensure a perfect fit.
Step 6: Shaping the Legs
Wes then marks the legs for the bottom arch cut and uses a band saw to make the necessary cuts. He also prepares a template for the top part to ensure both halves match perfectly.
Step 7: Sanding and Assembly
Once all the cuts are made, Wes sands the pieces down to the pencil lines, ensuring a smooth finish. After sanding, he glues the legs together and checks the alignment of the joints.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
With the structure assembled, Wes proceeds to wire brush the oak grain to open it up for staining. He applies a true black Minwax stain, enhancing the natural texture of the wood.
Step 9: Final Assembly
Wes installs the mounting brackets and anchors the top to the legs, ensuring everything is secure and aligned. The final look showcases the unique grain and texture of the oak, making the table a stunning centerpiece.
