Build Your Own Shaker Dining Table with Kelly Mehler: A Complete Woodworking Tutorial

Well now, if you ever thought about makin’ yourself a real fine Shaker-style dinin’ table, I gotta tell ya, it ain’t too hard once you know what you’re doin’. There’s this feller, Kelly Mehler, who’s real good at it. You watch him work, and you’ll pick up all sorts of tricks for how to get it done, and do it right, too.

Now, the first thing you need to know is that buildin’ a Shaker table ain’t just about havin’ the right tools, though that’s important. You gotta start by choosin’ the right wood. Kelly, he talks a lot about pickin’ out the best kind of wood for the job. You can’t just go grabbin’ any ol’ piece of lumber from the yard. No, you need somethin’ that’s gonna hold up, look good, and be easy to work with. Most folks, they use maple or cherry for Shaker-style tables, ’cause it’s sturdy and smooth to work with. Kelly’s real picky about that too, says it makes a big difference in how the whole table turns out.

Once you got your wood, Kelly shows you how to go about joinin’ the pieces together. Now, don’t go rushin’ through this part. It’s important you get the edges nice and straight before you glue ‘em together. Kelly’s real careful about makin’ sure all the joints line up right, ‘cause if they don’t, well, your table’s not gonna look too good when it’s all put together.

Here’s the secret to the table’s strength: the apron and legs. You see, a Shaker table ain’t like them fancy tables with all sorts of carvings. It’s got simple legs and a solid apron. Kelly’s got a real nice way of showin’ you how to make them parts fit together just right, and that’s the key to a table that don’t wobble or lean. You can trust Kelly on that; he’s been doin’ this for years, and he’s got the knack of it.

Once you get the table all glued up and the legs attached, it’s time to think about the finish. Now, this part’s just as important as the rest, if you ask me. A good finish ain’t just for show; it protects the wood from scratches, spills, and wear and tear. Kelly recommends usin’ a good oil finish for Shaker tables. It soaks into the wood, makes it nice and smooth, and brings out the natural grain. Don’t go skimpin’ on the finish, you hear? Take your time and do it right, and that table’ll last you a lifetime.

So, once you’ve got the wood, the joints, the legs, and the finish all sorted, you’re pretty much done! All that’s left is to put your table in place, maybe set it in the center of your dinin’ room, and marvel at the fine piece of work you just made. Ain’t it somethin’ to see a table like that, all sturdy and fine lookin’?

Now, Kelly Mehler, he’s been makin’ furniture for a long time. He knows his stuff, and he’s real good at showin’ folks like you and me how to do it too. If you take your time, follow along with his steps, and keep an eye on the details, you’ll have yourself a fine Shaker-style dinin’ table that you can be proud of. Don’t rush, do it slow, and you’ll see—it ain’t so hard, not when you’ve got the right help.

In short: Building a Shaker-style dining table like Kelly Mehler does is all about choosin’ the right wood, takin’ your time with the joints, and gettin’ the finish just right. If you follow Kelly’s advice, you’ll end up with a table that’ll last and look good for years. All it takes is patience and a steady hand, and soon enough, you’ll have your own homemade table, fit to gather the whole family round.

Tags：[Shaker Table, Kelly Mehler, woodworking, furniture making, DIY table, woodworking tips, Shaker style furniture]