June 15, 201412 yr Lots of chopping going on. I got the tenons to size this morning, and laid out the mortises using the tenons as a guide. Just a few tools were needed for this job. And a clamp to hold the near end. The area I was chopping in, is right over the leg of the bench, no bouncing that way. Square was set to the center of the leg, minus half the thickness of the tenon. Mark from both sides in, and the area to be removed shows up. I mark the top and bottom of the mortise by laying a tenon on top, and tracing the lines. A Few chops. Stick the 1/4" chisel at a start line, bevel towards the middle. Four good hits with the hammer, wiggle the chisel, hop to the next spot, repeat. Near the other end, reverse the chisel so the bevel is towards the middle, again, Hammer it down, Pop out the chips, and start all over again. The wider chisel is there to square the sides. After a few chops, Test the fit, and adjust if needed. That little block is to keep things over the leg of the bench.  You can see the other clamp as well. Apron fits? Rotate the leg 90 degrees, and repeat the above. After awhile, you'll have a few legs done. One Tip: Keep track of where the nortises are, just wouldn't do to have one on the wrong side. So far, so good Three legs done, fourth is marked out for it's mortises. No mis-placed holes, so far. Debate is going on. Those bottom squares could use a stretcher? Maybe add a bottom shelf? Single Brain Cell Sketch-up is on overload. Details are " sketchy" as of yet. Have to check the lumber rack and see IF I have enough for "extras". Stay tuned might get complicated, might not... Edited January 20, 201610 yr by John Morris fixed text alignment and image placement, added tags
June 15, 201412 yr Author Have one set in the clamps, awaiting the glue to cure Only the ends get the bottom stretcher. There will be a bottom shelf between them. Other half is sitting around, waiting it's turn Still have two mortises to chop. I'm getting tired, now.
June 16, 201412 yr Author Second half is clamped up, awaiting the glue to cure, then I'll add the long aprons and glue them up. Need to get the bottom shelf cut and cleaned up. It is hiding under the lathe right now. Might put a breadboard end on the ends, we'll see. Finish will be whatever I have on hand. Son might even paint it, won't like THAT but, it's his table.....
June 17, 201412 yr You build like I do Steve, may need bottom stretchers? Ha! Love it, build it, if it feels sturdy great, if not, then add more to it! My kind of project.
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