A final detail was to figure out the easiest way to attach the runners for the drawers. The final solution the joinery was to use two dowels on each side, this will provide plenty of strength and be considerably better than your typical butt joint and pins. It'll also add a decorative element to the drawer. My choice was to use shop made runners rather than metal ones. These drawers are on either side of the table and will store scissors, bobbins, tape measure, etc. Since Diane will have a machine at either side there is a drawer to service either one.
Drawer Runner |
Matched Grain on Apron |
All that remained was to flatten the top. It measures 28" x 48" and consists of three boards. I had to establish a square edge so the first step was to rip it to width on the table saw. I used this technique to cut one end square:
Squaring the first end |
A piece of plywood was screwed to the uneven end making sure that it was square to the edge. This was done on the bottom of the table top and was used to guide the top against the fence. Once the first end was sawn, the plywood piece was removed and the squared end guides the piece against the fence. A little bit awkward but works well for a one man shop.
Once the ends were square and the top was it's final size it was flattened:
Flattening the top |
This was accomplished with a smooth plane. Thanks to the clamps I used that not only bring the edges together but also hold them flat this wasn't too hard of a process. Insuring that the grain runs the same way when these pieces were laminated together is key to relatively easy planing of the top.
Your other option would be using a wide planner or drum sander. I suppose an orbital sander would do too but you'll be hard pressed to get it as smooth and flat as a hand plane and some effort on your part will.