Shaker Side Table with Christopher Schwarz: Learn Hand Tool Woodworking Techniques

Well, let me tell ya, if you’re lookin’ to make somethin’ real nice and sturdy, like them Shaker side tables, this here’s a fine way to go about it. Now, I ain’t no expert, but I done seen folks talkin’ about this feller, Christopher Schwarz, and his way of teachin’ how to make one of these tables. And I reckon, if you’re serious about makin’ furniture, you’d wanna listen up to what he’s got to say.

So, this Shaker side table, what makes it special? Well, it ain’t just any ol’ table. It’s a good ol’ fashioned piece of craftsmanship. You start with pickin’ the right wood, and that’s important, mind ya. You can’t just grab any board from the pile – nah, you gotta know what’s good for the job. Whether it’s maple, oak, or cherry, each type of wood brings somethin’ different to the table. And Christopher, he teaches ya how to pick the right stuff, just like how they done it in them old days. You gotta have the right tools too, like hand saws, chisels, and the like. None of them electric gadgets, just honest, hard work.

Then comes the cuttin’. You gotta get them mortises and tenons just right. Now, don’t get too worried ’bout them fancy words, it’s just the way you join the pieces together. Mortises are them holes, and tenons are the parts that fit into the holes. I reckon if you ain’t careful, them joints won’t hold together proper, and your table will be all wobbly. But with Christopher’s DVD, he makes it all seem real easy-like. He walks you through the steps, tellin’ ya how to lay it all out so everythin’ fits just right.

Now, when it comes to the legs of the table, don’t be rushin’ through that part. Them legs need to be strong, real strong. They gotta hold up that top without any trouble, and Christopher shows ya just how to get them legs in place, steady and sturdy. And the good thing about this Shaker style is it don’t need no fancy decorations or whatnot. It’s simple, but it’s built to last. Just the way the Shakers done it back in the day.

One thing I noticed, this Shaker side table, it’s a project that teaches ya more than just buildin’ a table. It teaches ya patience. I mean, I can’t tell ya how many times I’ve been tempted to rush through somethin’, but with this table, you can’t do that. You gotta take your time, make sure each cut is right, each joint is strong. And when you’re done, you ain’t just got a table, you got yourself a piece of history, something you can be proud of.

Now, some folks might wonder if it’s worth the time and money to buy one of them DVDs from Christopher Schwarz. Well, if you’re askin’ me, it’s worth it. Ain’t every day you get to learn from someone who knows their stuff. And this DVD, it’s real helpful. It ain’t just talk, it’s full of good, solid information on how to build that table step by step. Sure, it might cost a little, but I reckon it’s a lot cheaper than messin’ it up tryin’ to figure it out on your own.

So, if you’re lookin’ for somethin’ to do with your hands, somethin’ that’ll keep you busy and teach ya a thing or two, I say go for it. Build yourself a Shaker side table. Take your time with it, follow Christopher’s instructions, and before ya know it, you’ll have a piece of furniture you can be proud of. Ain’t nothin’ quite like the satisfaction of makin’ somethin’ with your own two hands, especially when it’s somethin’ built to last, just like them Shakers did it all them years ago.

So, go ahead, grab yourself a DVD or watch a video, get that wood, and start buildin’. You’ll see what I mean when you finish that table – it’s worth every minute of work.

Tags：[Shaker side table, Christopher Schwarz, woodworking, hand tools, furniture making, DIY projects, joinery, woodworking DVD, mortise and tenon, Shaker furniture, wood selection]