In this episode, I build a custom entry table with walnut cuffs. The main table is made from cherry, and the feet are adorned with decorative walnut cuffs.
This custom table was designed and handcrafted for a Colorado Springs custom furniture client.
Summary
Sugar Table and Decorative Walnut Cuffs
Brian discussed the process of building a Shaker table with decorative walnut cuffs on the feet. He explained how he used a miter gauge set up at an angle and the blade slightly tipped to achieve the desired angle. He also mentioned cleaning up discrepancies with a shoulder plane and a chisel. For the cuffs, he used resawn thin veneers from walnut and glued three sides before using a hand plane to flush them up and carefully installing the fourth piece. He then moved on to the drawers, cutting dados for the bottom and planning the dovetails so that the dados run through the tail, concealing them inside the drawer. Any discrepancies were cleaned up with a hand plane.
Building a Shaker Table with Decorative Walnut Cuffs
Today, I’m working on a beautiful Shaker-style table with a unique touch—decorative walnut cuffs on the feet. The legs are tapered, which means the cuffs need to follow that taper for a seamless look.
Setting Up the Angles
To get the angles just right, I set up my miter gauge at an angle and slightly tipped the saw blade. This ensures the cuffs align perfectly with the tapered legs.
Fine-Tuning the Fit
After cutting, I noticed a small discrepancy on the shoulder of one piece. A quick pass with a shoulder plane cleaned it right up.
The dado blade left a slightly rough surface, so I smoothed it out with a chisel. For the cuffs, I used walnut that I restored and resawed into thin veneers at the bandsaw before cutting them to length at the table saw.
Gluing and Flushing the Cuffs
I glued three sides of the cuff first, then used a hand plane to flush them up. For the fourth side, I carefully hand-fit the piece, taking my time to sneak up on the perfect fit—one or two swipes at a time.
To ensure a snug fit, I introduced a slight back bevel on the last pass, allowing the piece to slide smoothly into place.
Working on the Drawers
Moving on to the drawers, I cut dados for the drawer bottoms. When planning my dovetails, I made sure the dado would run through the tail, concealing it inside the drawer for a clean look. Any minor imperfections were cleaned up with a hand plane.
Adding the Drawer Pulls
Next, I prepped the maple for the drawer pulls to be glued onto the drawer fronts. These are the same style of pulls I used in one of my earliest projects—the cherry writing desk.
Final Assembly
Inside the table, I installed wooden runners to hold the drawers in place. The top is secured with screws through a small cleat I made.
And there you have it—a charming Shaker table with elegant walnut cuffs on the feet!
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