Build an Arched Entry Table
A twist on the Stickley style, Mike Pekovich's arched table features a dovetailed drawer box supported by a trestle base, tapered legs, and drawbored tenons.
Synopsis: A twist on the Stickley style, this arched table features a dovetailed drawer box supported by a trestle base. Drawbored tenons hold the base together, and arched rails and tapered legs add personality. Mike Pekovich simplifies construction by starting with base parts of the same dimensions, and then adjusting thicknesses and widths to create offsets after the joinery is complete.
‘I’d like an entry table in the Arts and Crafts style, but nothing I’ve seen before.” It was an interesting request from an interesting client—my brother, actually. Up to that time, I had built a number of mostly Stickley-inspired pieces, but hadn’t really pushed beyond that. This was an opportunity to try a more original design while staying true to the basic elements of the style. Since I knew the client, I didn’t face the nerves that typically accompany a commissioned piece. The table I came up with features…
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Comments
It’s not clear to me how you align the arches to the pre cut tenons (p.35)
Is there further detail available for this?
In the picture where he is using a template to draw the arches, you can see that he has short vertical lines drawn up to the surface of the blank. Although I can't see them, I imagine there are matching marks on the template so it is simply a question of aligning the two sets of marks.
At least that is how I would do it. :)
Thanks. I can see the vertical lines however I can’t determine what they are referenced against.
The tenon is centered on the height of the rail. The finished height is 1-1/2 in. and the tenon is 1-1/4 in. wide. It looks likes Mr. Pekovich uses a slightly wider template for the arches and then works the rail down to the final inch and a half.
Am I missing something, a taper is shown being cut on the legs, but the drawings don't show it. The photo maybe shows a slight taper at the top of the leg?
After final shaping there's only 1/16 in. difference between the top and bottom leg dimensions. It wouldn't be very obvious in the small drawing.
The pdf mentions digital plans yet I can't seem to find them anywhere. A search simply refers to this article. A link please.
Sreilly: Seems we're both exploring this at the same time. I also can't find the digital plans, and would appreciate a link if such plans actually exist. This looks like a nice well-designed challenging project, and plans would help.
There's enough information to build it given in the article surely?
Sometimes yes, and the other times it's plain hidden in the text. I've had a number of plan sets that needed detailed explanation but maybe that's me. I'd rather have something that can possibly giver further detail or backup what I'm seeing if it's available. For more experienced woodworkers the article may well be enough.
For you, waterhead.
I know the digital plans exist and they should be available soon. It sometimes takes a little time for them to get packaged and listed in the Taunton Store. I expect when they are Ben will update the link. At least that's what I've seen Ben do in similar cases before.
I read the article in the print magazine and online. I don't see where the wood in the article pictures is identified. Looks like white oak, but could be chestnut???
Looks like white oak but if you were going to build it, you could use whatever you want.
It looked like there would be enough information in the article but I too would like plans if I build it. I'm not surprised we can't find them. I couldn't get on the site for most of the past week.
Mike, did you use the ammonia fume method to finish this?
Yes, Mike did fume this table.
Maybe this link will help.
https://www.tauntonstore.com/project-plans/fine-woodworking-s-entry-table-plan.html
Why does FWW continue to feature work from their own staff who are not even full time designers or furniture makers?
Surely you could tap the network of alumni from nearby woodworking programs like Connecticut Valley, RISD, NBSS, MassArt, and various schools in NY. Folks are doing interesting and approachable work in different styles.
It seems like the same people and styles are always featured without any rationale except convenience.
Please highlight different styles and new people.
Beautiful table! With the subtle grain arch across the drawers it’s begging for the lower stretcher to be steam bent or saw from a piece with already curved grain rather than sawn. I think it would be a smoother flow for the arch.
Very little info on attaching the top, just "pre-drill the screw holes for attaching ..". Where are the screw holes (not shown on diagram)? How do you screw from inside the rather shallow box?
It is shown in the digital plans.
https://www.tauntonstore.com/fine-woodworking-s-entry-table-plan.html
How do you screw from inside the rather shallow box?
Stubby screwdriver?
So I'm new to FWW and have a question. Do any of these plans (digital or print magazine (not purchased)) come with a bill of materials or cut list. In looking over a few I've not found any with these.
We generally don't do cut lists. Since most projects are built from rough-sawn solid stock, there is no way of actually doing a cut list because each board is different.
I purchased the table plans and have been slavishly following the guide. However, page nine showing the top details has an error in the measure for fitting the breadboard to the top. I believe the tennon measure is reversed, should be 3/4" on the table top and 5/8" on the breadboard. I would appreciate a confirmation of my thoughts or correction. Thanks.
Arlen, are you referring to these dimensions? If so, they are correct. The breadboard end is longer than the table top is wide. If you feel you need to change the width of the mortise or the tenon to compensate for seasonal movement in your area, you can certainly do so.
-Dave
I purchased the plans and they are very detailed. You get a PDF and a sketchup file which I use. That'll give you a good cutlist but not a layout (because of rough stock). Purchase it, you won't be disappointed.
Hi, Is there any way you can get these plans in The UK. I just get a message that due to privacy issues they cannot trade in the UK. Surely this is not correct??
Thanks
Mark
You're right waterhead. The numbers don't lie. Not enough in sales to justify the overhaul that the EU required.
Mark, if you call the number given, they can take your order over the phone.
There are a few similar dozy businesses that haven't yet done whatever they need to do to sell into the EU and UK via online sales. Highland Hardware is another. It's disappointing for would-be customers, I presume our potential business is not thought to be enough to justify whatever efforts might be needed on FWW's part to overcome such hurdles as exist.
Thanks
Will do
Mark
I have to admit that I am not looking forward to gluing up the dovetailed case. The back and drawer dividers look like they are going to cause some fuss.
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