This project was built and designed by Caleb from YouCanMakeThisToo. It features a clean, modern dining table with a cherry top, a walnut base, and brass pin joinery that adds both beauty and strength.
The result is a high-end table built with long-lasting materials and professional-level joinery techniques. It’s a great example of how careful planning and steady craftsmanship can lead to a timeless centerpiece.
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Selecting the Right Lumber
The build begins with selecting two hardwood species: cherry for the tabletop and walnut for the base. These choices create a warm contrast that fits well in modern or transitional spaces.
Caleb emphasizes the importance of handpicking boards for grain consistency, stability, and minimal defects. Prioritizing premium pieces from the start avoids headaches later during milling and assembly.
Milling the Boards in Stages
Once selected, the boards are milled flat, square, and straight. Caleb starts by jointing one edge, ripping the opposite edge on the table saw, and planing the faces to achieve even thickness.
To manage wood movement—especially with walnut—the boards are milled in stages over several days. This gives them time to acclimate and prevents post-glue-up warping, especially important when working with larger panel glue-ups.
Creating the Tabletop Panel
The cherry boards are edge-jointed by hand to prepare for glue-up. This step ensures tight seams and reduces the need for heavy clamping pressure, which can introduce distortion.
Before final glue-up, any planer snipe or tear-out is marked and trimmed away. Caleb intentionally cuts boards longer than necessary so imperfections can be removed without affecting final dimensions.
Glue is applied cleanly, with a focus on even coverage and dust-free surfaces. After clamping, the panel is allowed to cure fully before the ends are squared with a circular saw and guide.
Designing the Base
The base design features an X-shaped configuration that gives the table its distinctive look and structural integrity. Caleb cuts half lap joints where the stretchers intersect, using a miter gauge and dado stack to create snug, even joints.
Each joint is cleaned up by hand to tighten the fit. Brass pins are added through the half laps as both a design element and a reinforcing feature, offering a subtle contrast to the dark walnut.
These pins are not just decorative—they help resist joint separation and add long-term durability to the base structure.
Building and Shaping the Legs
Each leg is shaped with a tapered profile for a refined, modern silhouette. Caleb uses a simple template and a framing square to lay out the taper before cutting on the table saw with a tapering jig.
After roughing out the shapes, each leg is cleaned up with hand tools and sanded smooth. These small adjustments ensure the legs sit flush and maintain uniform angles across all sides.
Each half lap in the base is laid out and cut individually to ensure accuracy. Scoring the layout lines with a utility knife gives crisp edges for precise cuts.
Final Assembly and Top Attachment
With the base complete, the tabletop is attached using threaded inserts and bolts. This method allows the top to move with seasonal changes while also being easily removed if needed.
The underside of the tabletop is routed with a subtle chamfer to lighten its visual weight. This small touch makes the design feel more refined without changing the top’s structural strength.
Threaded inserts also help prevent damage from over-tightening bolts and extend the life of the connection, especially during future moves or reassembly.
Sanding and Finish Work
Once everything is assembled, the table is sanded through a full progression of grits for a glass-smooth surface. Caleb finishes the table with a durable, clear finish that protects the wood and highlights its natural color.
Each coat is carefully applied and leveled, ensuring a consistent sheen and long-term wear resistance. The cherry top will naturally deepen over time, adding even more character to the finished piece.
Final assembly takes place in the client’s home, making delivery easier and avoiding any damage during transport. The result is a sleek, handcrafted dining table ready to be enjoyed for years.
Please support Caleb by visiting his website: https://www.ycmt2.com/.