The serving table is another useful piece of furniture that can be made
in mission style. This table should be made in quarter-sawed oak and
stained very light. The stock order is as follows:
2 posts, 2 by 2 by 37 in., S-4-S.
2 posts, 2 by 2 by 31 in., S-4-S.
1 top, 1 by 21 by 40 in., S-2-S.
2 side rails, 3/4 by 3 by 34-1/2 in., S-2-S.
4 end rails, 3/4 by 3 by 15-1/2 in., S-2-S.
1 back panel, 3/4 by 4 by 34-1/2 in., S-2-S.
1 stretcher, 1 by 5 by 36-1/2 in., S-4-S.
1 slat, 1/2 by 1-1/2 by 36 in., S-4-S.
[Illustration: Serving Table Complete]
The four posts are ordered 1 in. longer than necessary for squaring to
length and the two back posts should be chamfered 1/4 in. on top, as
they are the longest and project above the back panel. All of the posts
are cut tapering for a space of 4 in. from the bottom ends. Mortises in
the posts and tenons on the rails are laid out and cut as shown by the
dimensions in the drawing. These parts are then well glued and put
together. The top, which should be of well seasoned wood, is cut to fit
around the back posts so the back edge and the back side of the posts
are flush. The back panel is placed in mortises cut in the corners of
the back posts. This is done so the back surface of the panel will be
flush the same as the edge of the top. The slat is fastened with
round-headed brass screws on the front of the two back posts about half
way between the top and the ends of the posts.
[Illustration: Detail of Serving Table]
The top may be fastened to the rails by one of two methods. One way is
to use a small button made of wood and so mortised as to set in the
rails and then fastened to the top with screws. About six of these
buttons will be sufficient to hold the top in place. The other method is
to bore a hole slanting on the inside of the rails, directing the bit
toward the top, which will make a seat--if not cut too deep--for a screw
that can be turned direct into the top.
The glue must be removed from about the joints and the surfaces smoothed
over with fine sandpaper before applying the stain. The directions for
staining will be found on the can in which it is sold. The grain of the
wood will show up well if the surface is given a dull waxed finish after
staining.