winter storm

We’re in the midst of the large winter storm that has been sweeping the country today.  We have several inches of ice pellets on the ground, and snow is expected within the hour.  Evidently there are accumulations of up to 22″ to our southwest, but those are the only reliable weather reports in this region– the ones relating events that have already happened.  The ice alone was enough for Washington University to cancel classes today, though.  I believe it’s the first time that has happened since I came to St. Louis in 1995.  I made good use of the time, building the last pieces of the dining room table.  Now all that is left is final sanding, assembly of parts, and decisions regarding the stain and finish.  You’ll still need to use your imagination to picture things right-side-up, but here are a few images:

Pedestal base top and bottom blanks, exploded view. I mirrored dado cuts to create the mortises.

Assembled pedestal before chamfering.

All parts in place-- I made the central stretcher today, which has a soft curve along its bottom edge (the top edge in the photo) and a through-tenon at each end.

Detail of the through-tenon. It will have a maple pin that runs from top to bottom, securing it in place.