I'm technically on vacation this week so what will I do? I've been really busy at my "real" job and doing alot of side jobs lately as well. I finished phase 2 of the kitchen remodel. Somewhere in the past fews weeks I started and finished a 6'x 6' Oak LP record cabinet. I have phase 3 of the kitchen job to build, have finished, and installed by Thanksgiving. Oh and an office built-in, including a desk that also has to be installed by mid November. So I ask, what should I do while on "vacation"? Well, I'm going to be selfish and take a little time to myself. I'm going to finish building a little side table that I started designing (and redesigning) a few months back. It's a small little table standing about 24" high, 20" wide, and about 10" deep. All solid Cherry. I've had the top cut out for some time now, I've rough cut the Apron and drawer parts. Last night I cut the shape for the legs out of 1 3/4" cherry. The leg has a nice curved side to it up at the top and then a taper down to 3/4". I also machined the mortises for the side and back aprons. Today if time allows I plan on cutting the tenons in the aprons as well. We shall see, after all I am on vacation.
I spent some time working on the mortise and tenon joinery for the legs/aprons. This is my first attempt with this joint. I drilled out the mortises with my $50 Mortiser that has been collecting dust in the corner of the shop. Next I had to decide whether to tackle the tenons with the tablesaw or my own 2 hands. I really want to involve more hand work in this project so I carefully marked my cut lines and got out my handsaw. I have to say it was quite enjoyable, it really takes you back to the way things used to be done. I took my time and it was quite relaxing actually. I'm so used to rushing around and having to worry about time. That is why this is my vacation project. There is no clock or someone else standing around checking to see if I'm done yet. Just me, some nice cherry wood, and my handsaw. Here are the results from my first mortise and tenon joint. I only had time last night to cut the one side of the Apron. I don't think it came out that bad, did I mention I can't afford to make a mistake since everything is grain matched for continuity around the piece? Should be fun!
