Woodworking with The Wood Whisperer
I Made the PERFECT Bench for Our Criss-Cross Table
Mon Jul 10 2023Description
This episode covers the construction of a crisscross bench to accompany a dining table. The bench is built with similar techniques as the table, including the use of templates, domino joinery, and pillowy details. The process involves creating a crisscross base, shaping the legs, making mortises for the locking spline, and adding finishing touches such as round over details. The top of the bench is attached using screws to allow for wood movement. The episode also covers the final steps of sanding, making an underbevel with a router bit, and attaching the top to the base.
Insights
Design and Execution
The course focuses on both design and execution of a large dining table and matching bench. It covers design concepts, template construction, actual build process, alternative techniques like router joinery for table and domino joinery for bench. The course provides insights into thought process, struggles faced during design concept development, template construction, actual build process etc.
Joinery Techniques
The bench utilizes segmented joinery with mortises made using a makeshift setup. The domino tool is used for joinery, placing two dominoes per joint. Splines are also cut and fit into subassemblies before gluing them together.
Finishing Details
Pillowy details are added as finishing touches on the bench, along with round over details on joint areas. The top of the bench is attached using screws with clearance holes to allow for wood movement.
Underbevel and Sanding
To create an underbevel on the edge of the top, a router bit with a high angle chamfer is used. Thorough sanding is also important for achieving a smooth finish.
Assembly and Testing
Attaching the top to the base is done by centering it and tapping screws into the holes. Pre-drilling and driving the screws secure the base. The bench is approved by Nicole after testing.
Chapters
Building the Bench
00:00 - 09:56
- The bench is built in a similar way to the table, with some changes in proportions and angles.
- The bench has a crisscross base, a thick top with a raised portion at the back for comfort, segmented joinery, and pillowed legs and rails.
- Templates are used to shape the legs and cut the angles of the board.
- Mortises for the locking spline are made using a makeshift setup with scraps and sacrificial fens.
- The domino tool is used for joinery, placing two dominoes per joint.
- Pillowy details are added as finishing touches on the project.
- Round over details are added on joint areas.
- Screws are used to attach the top of the bench, allowing wood movement by creating clearance holes for wiggle room.
- A miter clamping aid is used during glue up to clamp pieces together.
- Splines are cut and fit into subassemblies before gluing them together.
- After cleaning up splines and sanding, the seat is added.
Finishing Touches and Assembly
09:27 - 11:21
- To make the underbeville, use a router bit with a high angle chamfer.
- Look for chamfer bits with odd angles instead of 45 degrees.
- Thoroughly sand the whole thing.
- Attaching the top to the base is easy by centering it and tapping screws into the holes.
- Pre-drill and then drive the screws to secure the base.
- Nicole approved of the bench after testing it.