Project Information
This bench uses traditional joinery wherever possible to lock the individual wood pieces together. The top and shelf slats are Ambrosia Maple, while the base is Cherry. The surfaces are left rough sawn to create an aged, rustic appearance, and lightly hand scraped to create a smoother texture that showcases the grain and character of the wood.
In the picture of the disassembled parts, you can see the details of all the joinery holding this piece together. In addition to two dados holding the shelf slats in position, a cut nail at each end securely holds them down. The top of the bench, though routed to snugly sit over the base, is held down by a couple dozen pocket screws. These are the only fasteners used.
The joinery involved in attaching the top to the base is designed to allow the single wide plank of maple to expand and contract. This is achieved while still firmly holding the two pieces together with no movement.
In the picture of the disassembled parts, you can see the details of all the joinery holding this piece together. In addition to two dados holding the shelf slats in position, a cut nail at each end securely holds them down. The top of the bench, though routed to snugly sit over the base, is held down by a couple dozen pocket screws. These are the only fasteners used.
The joinery involved in attaching the top to the base is designed to allow the single wide plank of maple to expand and contract. This is achieved while still firmly holding the two pieces together with no movement.
