Thread: Newbie - needs plans for bedside table

Hi Skygazer,

Firstly can you post a picture of the style and design of what you are after? There are many sites on the web with free plans, but if your after something different I can possibly draw some up for you.

Almost all timbers are suitable for building with, I generally prefer hardwoods for durability. Tasmanian Oak is nice, one thing to point out with oaks is that the fine saw dust in carcengenic (cancer causing) so have a well ventilated area and good dust mask.

From memory, tasmanian oak isn't too expensive, the prices below are from one place I get timber, these pieces are from reclaimed flooring. New dressed timber will probably cost a little more but this is a good guide.
The columns are Size / Cost per lineal metre / Cost per m²
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100&#37;" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width="33%">83 x 19</TD><TD align=middle width="33%">$3.24</TD><TD align=middle width="34%">$39.00</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle width="33%">89 x 19</TD><TD align=middle width="33%">$3.47</TD><TD align=middle width="34%">$39.00</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle width="33%">108 x 19</TD><TD align=middle width="33%">$4.55</TD><TD align=middle width="34%">$42.00</TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle width="33%">133 x 19</TD><TD align=middle width="33%">$5.85</TD><TD align=middle width="34%">$44.00</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

It sounds like you have a good selection of tools to make the tables. You should most definetly buy a tenon saw and mitre box. I have found using this tool invaluable in getting straight cuts. A plane is also essential, especially if your gluing baords together. Hand planes are great, I also just bought a powered plane, and I love this tool. Dovetail jig is great, but will you be doing this type of joint frequently? Is it worth the additional expense....but if you've got lot's of money to blow go for it. I also find that using a random orbital sander great for finishing projects too. Hope this helps.

Andrew

Hi spoon man,

Many thanks for the response. I will try and get a pic over the weekend of what my wife would like. Learned something today - I had no idea that oak dust is carcinogenic (does this apply to all wood). I have a smal 1hp dust extactor that I picked up on ebay, I just need to convert from 4" to ~1.75" that the triton connector has. should I use an enclosed mask or are those paper ones ok?

Thanks again.

Originally Posted by skygazer

I have been given and/or purchased a fair range of tools.
Triton Powersaw/table, Triton router, hand drill, mixed range of chisels

With those tools you are off to a good start.

Gazer,

In this thread by Groggy, there is a list of some places to find plans on the net. Also, if you google bedside table plans, you'll be surprised how much is available. Some plans I've used have been very helpful with techniques and process as well as just plans, so you get a bit of how to as well.

Tex

Originally Posted by skygazer

Hi spoon man,

Many thanks for the response. I will try and get a pic over the weekend of what my wife would like. Learned something today - I had no idea that oak dust is carcinogenic (does this apply to all wood). I have a smal 1hp dust extactor that I picked up on ebay, I just need to convert from 4" to ~1.75" that the triton connector has. should I use an enclosed mask or are those paper ones ok?

Thanks again.

I have attached a list of various timbers and there affect. There are a few cancer causing timbers but most timbers aren't.

Ok, I found this on the web. http://www.furnitureplans.com/pi_pro...king-plans.com

So if any has plans for something similar that would be good. Has anyone used these people, should I just purchase the plans from there? I dont really want to be using screws or nails, as I am trying to learn some craftmanship.

Thanks to all.

Originally Posted by skygazer

Hi all,

I am a total newbie to woodwork and would like to build furniture for personal use. I just don't know where to start and there are no local places for me to learn in the next 6 months. (Wollognong NSW)

For my first project I would like to start with 2 bedisde tables with 3 drawers.

Where can I get some plans to build?
What sort of timber? (Wife likes Tassie oak)
How much should I expect to pay for timber?

I have been given and/or purchased a fair range of tools.
Triton Powersaw/table, Triton router, hand drill, mixed range of chisels

Thinking of buying:
Leigh D4R dovetail jig
No4 Plane
Tenon saw

Any assistance would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Hey Gazer Welcome

There is a school in Unnenderra (spelling?) run by a friend of mine Robert Chapman http://www.contemporaryfurniture.com.au/splashPage.html

I am not a fan of working with plans in my mind they are the woodwork equivalent of training wheels on a bike . The sooner you stop using them the faster you will go in the direction you want to go.

Golden rule number one never ever let a woman choose a timber as they only see colour and nothing else.
I also dont believe in a beginner using crappy timber (pine etc) because they are not yet confident in their skills. Use the best you can afford. Do Your best. Improve where you went wrong on the next project.

Dont waste your money on the Leigh jig unless you are making a living out of your wood work rather spend the money on quality Japanese Saws an chisels and learn to do them by hand. You get a better more honest and skilled result and the craftsmanship you learn here will be used in all other woodwork you do.

Rgds

Ross

Hi Ross,

Many thanks for the contact in Unanderra. He work just looks fantastic. I will make a trip down there and enquire about classes.

Skygazer

I have bought plans from several sources on the Internet.
Never a hassle.

They help you sort out what you need to know and you can change or adapt them as you wish.

Buy the Leigh.
Dovetails look smart, are a strong joint and with a little effort you will get a top result with the Leigh.

CAUTION- your tool disease will spread. Geez I love that.

cheers,
conwood