Introduction: How to Build a Custom Pine Log Table
Heres another Instructable showing how easy it is to make cool furniture out of natural ponderosa pine! This table, however is constructed without nails, screws, or any other metal fasteners. Here we go...
Step 1: Materials....
Materials and tools needed are...
18 linear ft of pine logs anywhere from 2 to 3 inches round usually works best. Use your drawknife and skip peel until desired look is achieved. If you have nice long lengths , its easier to peel before you cut them down to size.
One piece of flat pine stock 48"x14"x2" .
Glue
Wooden mallet
Drill with paddle/speed bits ,tennon cutters
Sandpaper
Stain and clearcoat
18 linear ft of pine logs anywhere from 2 to 3 inches round usually works best. Use your drawknife and skip peel until desired look is achieved. If you have nice long lengths , its easier to peel before you cut them down to size.
One piece of flat pine stock 48"x14"x2" .
Glue
Wooden mallet
Drill with paddle/speed bits ,tennon cutters
Sandpaper
Stain and clearcoat
Step 2: Cut....
Cut the legs at 30". You obviously need four of them. Cut two short braces at 11", and two long braces 40".
Step 3: Use....
Use a 2" tenon cutter and tenon only one side of the legs. Be sure to put the fattest end down so the legs taper up. Use a 1 1/4" tenon to both sides of the four braces.
Step 4: Drill...
Drill the holes that hold the legs with a 2 inch speed bit. With the natural edge facing up, drill two holes evenly spaced on each end. Be sure to drill with a bit of an angle so the legs are not straight up and down. Before you install the legs drill the brace holes with a 1 1/4 inch speed bit. Offset the longer braces above or below the shorter ones for a stronger corner. I mark one hole on each leg first, then rotate 1/4 turn and drill slightly above other hole.
Step 5: Squeeze....
Squeeze a dab of wood glue in all your holes. Use a mallet and attach little braces first. The legs should flex a bit, but once they are fully seated this method is extreamly stong and solid. I suggest to dry fit everything before gluing. Its messy otherwise. Loosly get all braces and legs started in their respective holes and gently tap (to prevent splitting, or tenon breaks)
Step 6: Now...
Now that your table is almost done, recheck the legs for snug fit , and wipe any extra glue. Flip her over and you may need to rack the whole table a little bit . If the legs start 2 seperate use bar clamp until glue dries.
Step 7: Sand....
Sand until desired grain. You may choose to stain or keep natural , but I strongly recommend Minwax Polyurethane. At least two coats. Ive had to apply up to six coats to projects like this . The wood really soaks it up. Anyway Be careful with all power tools.