An Oak Serving Table


The serving table is another useful piece of furniture that can be made in mission style. This table should be made in quarter-sawed oak and stained very light. The stock order is as follows:





  • 2 posts, 2 by 2 by 37 in., S-4-S.


  • 2 posts, 2 by 2 by 31 in., S-4-S.


  • 1 top, 1 by 21 by 40 in., S-2-S.


  • 2 side rails, 3/4 by 3 by 34-1/2 in., S-2-S.


  • 4 end rails, 3/4 by
    3 by 15-1/2 in., S-2-S.


  • 1 back panel, 3/4 by 4 by 34-1/2 in., S-2-S.


  • 1 stretcher, 1 by 5 by 36-1/2 in., S-4-S.


  • 1 slat, 1/2 by 1-1/2 by 36 in., S-4-S.




Serving Table Complete Serving Table Complete


The four posts are ordered 1 in. longer than necessary for squaring to length and the two back posts should be chamfered 1/4 in. on top, as they are the longest and project above the back panel. All of the [31] posts are cut tapering for a space of 4 in. from the bottom ends. Mortises in the posts and tenons on the rails are laid out and cut as shown by the dimensions in the drawing. These parts are then well glued and put together. The top, which should be of well seasoned wood, is cut to fit around the back posts so the back edge and the back side of the posts are flush. The back panel is placed in mortises cut in the corners of the back posts. This is done so the back surface of the panel will be flush the same as the edge of the top. The slat is fastened with round-headed brass screws [32] on the front of the two back posts about half way between the top and the ends of the posts.



Detail of Serving Table Detail of Serving Table


The top may be fastened to the rails by one of two methods. One way is to use a small button made of wood and so mortised as to set in the rails and then fastened to the top with screws. About six of these buttons will be sufficient to hold the top in place. The other method is to bore a hole slanting on the inside of the rails, directing the bit toward the top, which will make a seat—if not cut too deep—for a screw that can be turned direct into the top.



The glue must be removed from about the joints and the surfaces smoothed over with fine sandpaper before applying the stain. The directions for staining will be found on the can in which it is sold. The grain of the wood will show up well if the surface is given a dull waxed finish after staining.





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