DIY Shaker Table Building Tutorial by Master Craftsman Kelly Mehler

If you’re out here wondering how to build a Shaker-style table, well, let me tell ya, it ain’t as fancy or complicated as some might think. Now, we got a good fella named Kelly Mehler, been building these tables for over 15 years! Now, don’t that say somethin’?

Kelly Mehler’s been at it long enough to know his way around a plank of wood or two. See, Shaker tables come from this style called Shaker-style furniture. Real simple lookin’, plain but mighty strong! Folks say it comes from this religious group, the Shakers, who believed in simplicity and makin’ things just right without fuss. Now, if you’re gonna make one yourself, you gotta keep things nice and simple. That’s what Shaker-style is all about, none of that flashy stuff.

Why Pick Shaker Style?

First off, lemme tell ya, Shaker-style furniture ain’t gonna give ya any headaches. It’s solid, straightforward, and real down-to-earth, just the way I like things. You don’t gotta worry about funny carvings or fragile legs or any of that jazz. Just good, honest woodwork. Kelly Mehler, he’s been teachin’ folks to make this kinda table for ages, and he starts with good wood, ya know? Not the cheap stuff.

Now, Shaker tables don’t take much to fit in just about anywhere, too. That’s the beauty of ’em! Plain and simple, just a real honest look. No frills, just function. Now, let me walk ya through how Kelly does it. And believe me, he knows his way around better than most.

Picking the Right Wood

Kelly starts with good, solid wood. Now, not all wood’s the same, ya know. Kelly, he picks wood that’s got strength but not too fancy, ’cause Shaker-style don’t need fancy. You want somethin’ that’ll last long, plain ol’ hardwood like cherry or maple. The wood needs to be strong but easy to work with, and Kelly says cherry is real nice for its color too – gets deeper over time, like it’s got a story to tell.

So once ya got that, you start workin’. Kelly, he likes to do things step-by-step, real methodical like. He starts by jointing and gluing the tabletop. It’s gotta be good and flat, smooth like a pond on a windless day. He’ll take his time with it, makin’ sure every bit lines up. Glue it up real nice so the top don’t come apart over the years.

Building the Legs and Aprons

Now, the legs – that’s where a lot of folks get tripped up. But Kelly, he’s got a knack. He shapes ‘em just so, gives ’em that classic Shaker look. Straight lines, nothin’ too bulky or too slim. They gotta look balanced with the tabletop, see? Can’t have skinny little legs under a heavy top – it’ll look like a hen walkin’ on stilts!

Next up is the apron – that’s the bit around the sides under the top. Kelly makes sure it’s strong, but he keeps it simple. Just four pieces of wood connecting the legs, keeps everything square and steady. That’s the key here – strong joints, no wobble.

Sanding and Finishing Touches

When he’s got it all together, Kelly spends time on sanding. Now, this part’s where ya need patience. A rough table ain’t what we’re lookin’ for! He sands it down until it’s as smooth as butter, takin’ all the little splinters off so it’s safe for little hands, or anybody else sittin’ down for a meal. Smooth surfaces also take a nice stain better, and Shaker tables usually got a natural look to ’em. Kelly uses a bit of oil or wax, keeps it from gettin’ too shiny, just a nice, simple finish.

So after all that, you got yerself a Shaker table, plain and simple but tough as nails. And that’s the way it oughta be! Just a real fine, sturdy table that’s gonna last a lifetime, maybe even longer if ya treat it right. Kelly knows that, and anyone who learns from him’ll know it too.

Why Folks Love Kelly Mehler’s Way

Kelly’s way of buildin’ ain’t just about the table; it’s about makin’ things that last, things you’ll pass down. He don’t rush through any step, and that’s why folks keep talkin’ about his classes and his way of teachin’. You don’t need fancy tools, just good, solid wood and a bit of patience.

• Start with the right wood – Cherry or maple works fine.
• Glue up the tabletop – Nice and flat, so it stays together.
• Shape the legs – Keep ’em straight, no fuss.
• Assemble the apron – Keeps it steady, no wobble.
• Sand it down – Smooth as butter, no splinters.
• Finish with oil or wax – Natural and simple.

So if you’re thinkin’ about makin’ yourself a Shaker table, give Kelly’s way a try. Might take a bit of time, but ain’t nothin’ better than sittin’ down at a table you built with yer own two hands. It’s plain, it’s simple, and it’ll be around long after we’re gone.

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