Project 17745EZ:
Contemporary
Dining Table
Many large projects are somewhat complicated
and required considerable skill to build. Hap-
pily, this dining table does not fall into such
category. Both its design and construction are
surprisingly simple and straightforward. Our
table was crafted in oak and walnut, however other woods can be used, as long as
they are contrasting.
Contemporary Dining Table Materials
List
Part Description Size No. Req’d
A Arm 1-1/2" x 3" x 19" 8
B Leg 1-1/2" x 3" x 28-3/4" 4
C Corner Spline 1/2" x 2-1/4" x 5-1/2" 8
D Core 2" x 2" x 28-3/4" 1
E Long Spine 1/4" x 7/8" x 28-3/4" 1
F Top 1-14" thick x 47" dia. 1
Contemporary Dining Table Complete
Schematic
Contemporary Dining Table Step-by-Step
Instructions
1. Cut the eight identical (A) longer than their final length and width so you
can make the tapers.
2. Use the table saw equipped with a tapering jig to cut the arm tapers so that
they begin 4-1/2" from the mitered ends.
3. Make the four leg sections (B).
4. Cut the 45-degree arm and leg miters as indicated.
5. Set the dado head for just slightly more than the required 1-1/8" cut for the
spline grooves. NOTE: This is done so that the splines will not bottom in
their grooves and prevent the miters from being drawn up tight.
6. Refer to the spline cutting detail to cut the spline grooves that will accept
the walnut corner splines (C).
7. Glue up and clamp the four U-shaped arm and leg assemblies.
8. Refer to the clamping detail to attach the temporary clamp blocks to achieve
the proper clamp pressure along the mitered joints.
9. Tack or screw the clamp blocks into place. NOTE: Any blemishes left by
the tacks or screws are not a problem since these surfaces will be con-
cealed.
10. Trim the corner splines flush after the clamp-up is complete.
11. Cut the 2" square walnut core piece (D).
12. Cut the 1/4" x 7/8" x 28-3/4" l0ong splines (E).
13. Joint and edge-glue sufficient stock to make the 1-1/4" thick top (F).
14. Use a saber saw to round out the top, as it is too large and awkward to be
fed accurately with the band saw.
15. Set the dado head to a 1/4" width to begin making the spline grooves.
16. Raise the blade to a 1/2" deep cut. NOTE: Because the splines are 7/8"
wide, the resulting 1/2" deep spline grooves will allow 1/16" on either edges
so the splines will not bottom in their grooves.
17. Use the rep fe3nce as a guide and cut these spline grooves, taking care when
guiding the leg assemblies though the blade to hold them securely and avoid
any tip and sway.
18. Use sufficient glue and work quickly to spline the four leg assemblies to the
core.
19. Use clamp blocks and clamp the leg assemblies to the spline.
20. Make sure that the four leg assemblies are bottomed on a flat and true sur-
face so the tabletop will rest flat when it is mounted.
21. Position the tabletop so the wood grain direction is in line with two of the
arms.
22. Fix the top to both of these arms.
23. Slot the arms on either side to accommodate wood movement across the
grain, which could be substantial given the diameter of the top.
24. Sand the table carefully.
25. Soften all edges.
26. Finish as desired.
27. Add levelers to the four feet to prevent any tendency the table might have to
rock on uneven floors.
These plans were originally published in Volume 9, Issue 6 of The Woodworker’s
Journal (Nov./Dec. 1985, pages 36-37).