RichardA Posted January 3, 2015 Report Share Posted January 3, 2015 Go completely through and finish the through tenon with a contrasting wedge. It'll pull the legs tight and stabilize the whole table! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted January 4, 2015 Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 i like the through tenon idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdG Posted January 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 I appreciate the input but although a thru tenon would work it wouldn't work for the design for this coffee table and its future End Tables. So still looking for input on the M/T options. I'm hoping either the 3/8 or 1/2 tenons will work. Am I expecting too much from the M/T option? Would adding a support block attached to the stretcher allow for the M/T option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdG Posted January 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 4, 2015 While waiting for more responses concerning attachment of shelf to the stretchers I went ahead and mortised slots in the apron that will be used to hold down the table top. I'm using the Z brackets for this purpose. I had the idea to use the same jig as used for the leg mortises. I simply added risers that positioned the aprons just below the top of the jig. Worked great and positioned each slot exactly at the same location. Started playing with how I'll finish off the leg bottoms. I had two leg samples so on one I rounded the leg with a rasp to kind of mimic the leg indent. On the other leg I simply broke the edges a little on the heavy side. Waiting to see which one the wife likes better before moving on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdG Posted January 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2015 All parts of this project, excluding the top are now complete. Before gluing up I have a finishing question. As a backdrop I will be leaving the area for 3 months at the end of Janurary and will finish building the top on my return. So here are my questions My finish will be a wash coat of shellac followed by 1 coat of BLO followed by 4 coats of General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil & Urethane 1). Would it be feasible to finish the pieces before glue up? If so anything I should do/ watch out for? 2) If prefinishing is not recommended then I was thinking of doing a dry fit with clamps and finish when I return. Would this option be better the 1)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted January 14, 2015 Report Share Posted January 14, 2015 I would not finish before glue up. However you leave the parts just make sure they are flat and preferably in a conditioned space. Lightly clamped dry assembly should be ok, just make sure it's sitting flat, not twisted. Or glue it up now and finish when you return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdG Posted January 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2015 Thanks wdwerker. Since I'm new to woodworking and you have years of experience can you please educate me as to the pitfalls of pre-finishing. Understanding the why will definitely help me in future projects. On my return in April I'll be build two end tables to go wi this coffee table. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted January 14, 2015 Report Share Posted January 14, 2015 If you prefinish, you don't get any appreciable protection from wood movement so, no real benefit there. If you prefinish and then get glue squeeze out on that finish, you'll be pulling your hair out. Light dry fit clamping in the most environmentally controlled area would be best to leave it for the length of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted January 14, 2015 Report Share Posted January 14, 2015 Ed, The third pic on 1-2-15 should give you a good idea. Imagine scraping and sanding the glue line after it's finished Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdG Posted January 15, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2015 Thanks wdaerkwr, TIODS & K Cooper. I now understand the issue with glue squeeze out on a finished project. I will plan on a dry fit, lightly clamped until my return. The table will be put in our living room where the temp will be set at 55 deg while we are away Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted January 15, 2015 Report Share Posted January 15, 2015 Should be fine, it's the big swings in temp and humidity that cause problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted January 15, 2015 Report Share Posted January 15, 2015 Have a safe trip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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