Free DIY Shaker Table Plan: Featuring Legs in the Middle Design

Well, now, if you’re lookin’ to build a shaker table, and you want them legs right in the middle, you’re in for a treat. It’s real simple, nothin’ too fancy, but it’ll get the job done just right. Now, I ain’t got all them fancy tools like them big city folks, but I know a thing or two about makin’ sturdy furniture that’ll last for years. So let’s get to it, shall we?

First off, you gotta pick your wood. Ain’t no two ways about it, good wood makes a good table. I’d recommend somethin’ strong like oak or maple. Now, them softwoods like pine might look pretty, but they ain’t gonna hold up like the hard stuff. You can find it at your local lumberyard, just make sure it’s dry and straight, not all warped up from sittin’ outside in the rain.

Next, we talk about the legs. Now, the shaker style ain’t complete without them tapered legs. Them legs are the key to the whole thing, see? You can’t just slap any ol’ leg on there and call it a shaker table. The legs gotta taper down from top to bottom. I usually use a jig for taperin’, but if you ain’t got one, don’t worry. Just mark out where you want the taper to start – I like to start just a bit below the top of the leg. Then you’ll need to take your saw and trim it down nice and smooth. If you don’t got a fancy saw, you can always use a hand plane to clean it up. Ain’t no shame in doin’ it the old-fashioned way, just make sure they’re even.

Now, here’s where you get a little tricky with it. You’re gonna need to make a couple of cuts for where them legs connect to the table top. That’s where them traditional joints come into play. The shaker folks, they knew how to do a good joint. Mortise and tenon, that’s the way to go. I’m tellin’ ya, that’s how you get strength. You don’t need no screws or nails – just a good ol’ wooden joint and a bit of glue. You cut your mortises into the apron, and the tenons go on the end of the legs. Make sure they fit snug, like a glove. You want them tight so they hold up under the weight of the table. Glue it up, clamp it, and let it sit a while.

Now, for the tabletop. A shaker table’s got a simple, solid top. You don’t want all them fancy carvings or nothin’. Just a good solid piece of wood. You can join them boards together if you got a few smaller pieces, or use one big ol’ piece if you’re lucky enough to have one. Just make sure the surface is smooth and flat, so you don’t have no wobblin’ when you set somethin’ on it. Some folks like to add a little apron around the edge of the top, but that’s up to you. I like the look of it, but you do what feels best for your table.

When you got your table all put together, it’s time to finish it. Now, I know some folks like to stain their tables, but I prefer to just use a good ol’ clear finish. It lets that wood’s natural beauty shine through, and it’ll protect it too. Apply it with a rag, rub it in good, and let it dry. Don’t be rushin’ this part. Let it cure real nice before you start usin’ the table, so the finish has time to set up and protect the wood.

And there you have it! You’ve built yourself a nice shaker table with the legs right in the middle. It might take a bit of time and effort, but I promise you, it’ll be worth it in the end. You’ll have a solid piece of furniture that’ll last you a lifetime, just like they did back in the day. Ain’t nothin’ like a handmade table to bring a bit of the old ways into your home.

So, if you’re ready to get started, gather up your tools, pick out that wood, and get to work. It’s a fun project, and when you’re done, you’ll have a fine table to show off to all your friends and family. And don’t forget – it’s all about them tapered legs in the middle. That’s what makes the shaker table special, after all.

Tags：[Shaker Table, Tapered Legs, DIY Furniture, Woodworking, DIY Shaker Table, Woodworking Plans, Furniture Making, Mortise and Tenon]