Next, using a cutoff box on the table saw (or crowded against the fence of the radial arm saw), form the dadoes on the underside of the top. Cut the through mortises cut using the method described in chapter twelve.
Then, on the band saw, cut the through tenons at the tops of the legs. Because of the 1/4"-deep dado, these need only be 9/16" long (1/2" for the tenon and 1/16" to be sanded flush). Then, fit them into their mortises.
Next, cut the edge cross lap joints that will fasten the stretcher to the legs. Two notches are required at each leg. Cut one, 2 1/4" deep, in the leg panel midway between the through tenons. Cut the other, 1" deep, into the bottom edge of the stretcher. The extra 1/4" in the total depth of the two notches is necessary because of the 1/4" dado on the underside of the bench top.
Then cut the notches in the ends of the through tenons using a fine-toothed backsaw. Drill a 1/8" hole from end to end at the base of each notch. This will prevent the tenon from splitting when the wedge is driven into the notch.
After the parts have been dry-fit, glue the joints and assemble the bench.
Materials List :
Table
A.
Top
1
pcs
¾ x 8 ¼ x 53 7/8
B.
Stretcher
1
pcs
¾ x 3 x 44 ¼
C.
Leg
2
pcs
¾ x 8 ¾ x 16 5/16
D.
Wedge
4
pcs
3/16 x 1 1/8 x ¾
*These are net measurements. A surplus should be added to lengths of through tenons so that they can be sanded flush.
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