Splay-leg Table Base Project

Name: Splay-leg Table Base Project
SKU: WB-0124-9-1
Availability: InStock

QUICK LINKS: Epic Store • Online Courses and Plans

The Splay-leg Table Base has similarities with the Shaker End Table with a Drawer project we also available to build, but this design adds a more dynamic and solid appearance, and stance. The table base was designed to be used with a 22” square top, solid or veneered. In fact, it’s perfectly proportioned for the Veneered chessboard made by students in our In-Shop Veneering Classes, as well as the Veneering e-course Tom did with Fine Woodworking.

Whether or not you already have a plan in mind for the Top, this project will satisfy as it is full of the methods, approaches, and techniques fundamental to finer aspects of woodworking. The additional complexities and angled joinery introduced by the splay design will surely sharpen and challenge your skills.

Once the splayed base framework is made, the interior is fitted to accommodate a drawer, which will also incorporate the splay angles of the table base. So the parts are sized and prepared for angled dovetailed drawers as well.

This drawer making process can be tricky, and with Tom sharing his experiences, virtually alongside step by step, you don’t have to learn the hard way. You have someone who’s fallen in a few ditches, and can help you avoid the same mistakes and frustrations, while assuring you of success.

If you’ve already built a more standard end table with a drawer, this project will no doubt take you to this next level of your craftsmanship. By the end of the course you’ll have a stylish and useful game table that can be used for chess or checkers as well as many standard board games. In other words, more fun ahead for you and your loved ones!

Dimensions: 22″W x 22″D x 28″H

Course topics include:

Design considerations
Cutting materials to size
Angled mortise and tenon joinery
Layout and cutting angled hand-cut dovetails
Fitting a drawer to an angled opening
Finishing options and advice for your table

Just for fun, watch Tom the make of a model of this piece in an episode of Shop Night Live: How to Make Models for Better Designs

Questions? Click green square for more

ONLINE COURSE FAQs

Is it worth watching even if I don’t build along with Tom?
Absolutely, in fact we recommend you do! Whether or not you plan to build the piece, there’s a lot to learn about woodworking, and furniture making, including tips, techniques, and tricks shared from Tom’s over 30 years of experience — peppered in along with a bit of light humor as well. After all, this is supposed to be fun right!?

How long do I have access to the Sessions?
If you purchase the Course you have UNLIMITED access to the sessions — you can watch them anytime, as often as you like.

What do I need to access the Sessions?
All you need is a device with internet connectivity, such as a desktop or laptop computer, tablet or smartphone, etc. In addition, it is necessary to use the Chrome browser to consistently navigate the more sophisticated scripts on present on membership sites.

I’m not very tech savvy… is it easy?
You will be given easy to follow instructions on how to access every session. We are here to help you figure it out so worry not.

Are the sessions downloadable, or available on any other storage media?
For many reasons we have chosen to make them available via an online platform only.

FULL-SIZE PLANS FAQs

What kind of information do the Plans provide?
These are printed copies of Tom’s original design, hand-drawn plans, just like he makes for himself before building most projects. They note all the specifications, dimensions and helpful points of view for completing the piece.

Is there information provided about the materials I’ll need and how much?
Yes, in fact each set of plans comes with a cut list, and recommendations for finishing as well.

How big are the plans?
They are printed onto 36×48 sheets and will arrive at your door in a tube which assists with safe delivery and also provides a sturdy receptacle for future storage.

We choose to deliver in a tube versus folding the Plans so you do not have to deal with creases that impact your view of the contents on the page.

Does Tom create these using CAD?
No, he hand draws every component of the elements included on the Plans. He has worked with SketchUp in the past and though he knows it to be a great tool, prefers depicting curved elements in particular by hand.

Can I get the plans in digital format?
Good question, however we do not provide our Plans in digital format. It’s one small way we attempt to maintain the integrity of the intellectual property withing the project build experience.

Rather, we prefer to offer the physical product so the parts you will be making to fulfill the project are represented in actual size.

Why did your Plans go up in price in 2023?
The USPS added a surcharge to the shipping charge for items longer that 22″ which applies directly to the tubes in which we send the Plans. We conisdered the option of folding them, but find that it ruins the experience with them as they arrive creased and wrinkled in ways that the tube can generally diminish.

SUPPORT DURING THE BUILD

What if I have questions during the Course?
No problem, this is why we have The Neighborwood community which gives you access to Tom and many fellow woodworkers via a private forum.

You can post your questions in the Private Forum and get input directly from Tom and other Neighbors as needed. In fact, you can even ask question about any project you’re working on, and post pictures of your completed work for everyone to celebrate with you!

I’m not very tech savvy, is the Forum tricky?
Not at all, and we’re happy to help you learn how to use it. We’re all learning as we go, and once you get the hang of it… you’ll love it!

How can I learn more about The Neighborwood?
If you’re curious for how it all got started, and how it works, click here.
If you’re looking more for logistics and how to purchase, click here.