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  • Arts and Crafts Dining Table: Stretchers
  • From "Woodworking"
    episode DIW-203
    advertisement

    Click here to view a larger image.

    The end of each stretcher is narrowed through careful measuring, cutting and sanding. Once complete, it should snugly fit the mortise in the end piece and create a tight mortise joint.

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    Figure A

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    Figure B

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    Figure C

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    Figure D

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    Figure E

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    Figure F

    Stretchers are designed to secure and stabilize the table. Each stretcher traverses the length of the table to fit snugly in the mortise.

    Note:

    Note: Project plans may be viewed with

    Materials:

    2 long pieces of wood
    Hacksaw
    Sliding compound miter saw
    Wooden template
    Drill
    Hammer
    Sharp chisel
    Small pieces of scrap wood


    1. Determine length of stretcher by determining the distance between the two ends. Add extra space for the width of the end pieces and the amount that will protrude through the mortise. (Host Bruce Johnson added 1 1/2" for the thickness of each end and 1 1/4" to protrude through each mortise.)


    2. Use a hacksaw (figure A) to remove excess wood at top and bottom of stretcher and allow it to fit the dimensions of the mortise. (The mortise on Johnson's table is 3-3/8", so he removes 1-1/8" from the top and bottom of the wood.)


    3. To thin the width, use sliding compound miter saw to make sequential cuts on each side (figure B) until enough thickness has been eliminated. Tip: Leave a little extra wood to allow for thinning during sanding.


    4. Create a template to cut square openings in both tenons and to allow for uniform rounding of corners. Trace aroudnd template onto wood's surface (figure C).


    5. To remove wood and create the squared opening, begin drilling in center of traced area. Use drill slightly smaller than traced area and make a series of holes to remove excess wood (figure D).


    6. Use hammer and sharp chisel to square off the opening, taking care to prevent the removal of too much wood.


    7. Sand the stretchers -- including openings -- smooth, and dry fit into mortises to check progress (figure E).


    8. To finish, use scrap wood to fashion small wedges (keys) that will fit into the small opening and brace the stretcher (figure F).

    Sponsored Resource
    > Click here to order your tools and materials for this project from Woodcraft!


    RESOURCES :
    Building Arts and Crafts Furniture: 25 Authentic Projects
    Model: 0806994185
    Author: Paul Kemner

    Classic Arts and Crafts Furniture You Can Build
    Model: 1558704906
    Author: Andy Schultz

    Arts and Crafts Woodworking Projects: 11 New Designs in the Stickley Tradition
    Model: 0811726622
    Author: Robert E. Belke

    Arts and Crafts Furniture: Projects You Can Build for the Home
    Model: 094193649X
    Author: Blair Howard

    Authentic Arts and Crafts Furniture Projects
    Model: 1558705686
    Author: Popular Woodworking Magazine

    The Arts and Crafts Society
    1209 W. Huron
    Ann Arbor, MI 48103
    Phone: (313) 665-4729
    Fax: (313) 213-0045
    Web site: www.arts-crafts.com
    E-mail: info@arts-crafts.com

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: