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Thread: Joinery Question - How is this Done

  1. #1

    Joinery Question - How is this Done

    I was hoping someone here might be able to point me in the right direction for how to do the joinery to attach a shelf to the bottom of a typical shaker nightstand table.

    Here's an example from Fine Woodworking

    Griffith_end_table_with_shelf-main.jpg

    I've searched around a little bit online but haven't really found a lot.

  2. #2
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    John, it looks like the corners of the shelf are resting in a mortice/triangular slot (in the legs).

    Regards from Perth

    Derek

  3. #3
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    I agree that notched legs would be my go-to for this.

  4. #4
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    Also notice in the image the shelf has 'breadboard' ends in the joinery. This helps to strengthen and support the shelf.

    jtk
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

  5. #5
    I don't think that platform is very Shaker at all.

  6. #6
    Ernest,
    I don't think that OP's question fits your answer.
    Metod

  7. #7
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    Breadboards have a tenon, that fits into a small mortise in each leg. Allows the Breadboard to wrap around the leg.

    IF I get around to it, today..I can post a drawing of sorts...IF you want.

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by ernest dubois View Post
    I don't think that platform is very Shaker at all.
    That is a fair point - my apologies.

  9. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by steven c newman View Post
    Breadboards have a tenon, that fits into a small mortise in each leg. Allows the Breadboard to wrap around the leg.

    IF I get around to it, today..I can post a drawing of sorts...IF you want.
    Sure, if you have time... I'm here to learn.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by ernest dubois View Post
    I don't think that platform is very Shaker at all.
    I think that's a fair comment given the context of the picture, and you are right! At that level the leg is 7/8" giving scanty room for the ledged joint (I just measured mine), weakening the leg. You also have to move the table to vacuum.
    ​You can do a lot with very little! You can do a little more with a lot!

  11. #11
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    The table is Shaker-esque. The shelf is not.

    Regards from Perth

    Derek

  12. #12
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    I built some longer tables with a shelf like this years ago.

    I did a mortise and tenon lower rail at the front and the back, and then "floated" the panel pretty much like breadboard ends.

  13. #13
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    before a top.jpg
    Before I installed a top
    after a top.jpg
    Add after...

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