questions: mission style coffee table

[Sully]

I have been asked to build a mission style coffee table. It's kind of similar in design to this one:



It will be made out of walnut instead of oak.

My question is about the lower shelf. I understand how to attach the top to account for wood movement (figure 8's, or slots, etc.).

However, I'm not sure about the lower shelf. I would like to use solid wood throughout, so ply is out of the question. From looking at various designs out there it seems as most just have a butt joint possibly with M&T or dowels. Wouldn't wood movement in the lower shelf also be a concern?

Thanks for any tips,
J

[fergy]

Use mortis and tenon joinery for it. Effectively, make it like a bread board table end. Only glue the center tenon.

[DaveO]

Originally Posted by Sully

I have been asked to build a mission style coffee table. It's kind of similar in design to this one:



It will be made out of walnut instead of oak.

My question is about the lower shelf. I understand how to attach the top to account for wood movement (figure 8's, or slots, etc.).

However, I'm not sure about the lower shelf. I would like to use solid wood throughout, so ply is out of the question. From looking at various designs out there it seems as most just have a butt joint possibly with M&T or dowels. Wouldn't wood movement in the lower shelf also be a concern?

Thanks for any tips,
J

I built some similar styled tables, but without all the spindles and drawers.



I made a groove in my bottom shelf support and a smaller (in width) tongue on the shelf. I glued it in the center only. I notched the end of the shelf to cover the end of the slot so any movement would be hidden. A couple years late they ain't blowed up yet

Dave

[sapwood]

Jay,
Charles (skeeter) has done several nice mission style pieces. If he has recovered from recent knee surgery he may chime in. Check his gallery where I found these. I've seen them up close and personal and think they are stellar





Roger

[Alan in Little Washington]

The breadboard end analogy is a good one. That is how I attached the lower shelf on the similar table I built for a friend a few years ago.

Another thing I did was to make through drawers- each drawer had two fronts and could be opened from either side.

I copied (went to the store and measured) a Stickley design. It resides here in Washington if you want to see it.

[JimD]

I am looking at one I made and the lower shelf is in a dado on the ends with only the center 3 inches or so glued. We've had it for about 7 years and it is working fine. Mine is oak but I do not see why walnut would not work well.

Jim