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Shaker Candle Stand: Hand-Cut Dovetail Sockets

Chris Becksvoort uses a simple trick to lay out the joinery on the base, then creates the dovetail sockets using a dovetail saw and chisel.

By Christian Becksvoort Oct 08, 2020

FineWoodworking

Christian Becksvoort has built dozens of round Shaker stands over four decades, so there is no one more qualified to demonstrate making this classic.

In this episode, Chris Becksvoort uses a simple trick to lay out the joinery on the base, then creates the dovetail sockets using a dovetail saw and chisel.

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Videos in the Series

Shaker Candle Stand: Introduction

September 24, 2020

In this introductory overview, watch contributing editor Christian Becksvoort build the stand from start to finish.
Shaker Candle Stand: Turning a Table Post

September 24, 2020

The candle-stand project starts at the lathe, where Chris turns the post's familiar wine-bottle shape out of cherry.
Shaker Candle Stand: Shaping the Legs

October 1, 2020

Learn how to cut the legs on a bandsaw, shape them with a disk sander and a lathe-mounted drum sander, and then use a router table to cut the dovetails.
Shaker Candle Stand: Hand-Cut Dovetail Sockets

October 8, 2020

Chris Becksvoort uses a simple trick to lay out the joinery on the base, then creates the dovetail sockets using a dovetail saw and chisel.
Shaker Candle Stand: Gluing Up the Legs

October 15, 2020

Add a profile to the legs using a lathe-mounted drum sander, and then glue up the base of the stand.
Shaker Candle Stand: Making the Round Top

October 26, 2020

In this episode, Chris makes the round tabletop at the bandsaw, refines the shape at the disc sander, and then takes us through his complete sanding regimen.
Shaker Candle Stand: Final Assembly

October 29, 2020

Learn how to assemble the stand in a way that keeps the tabletop flat and ensures that wood movement won't be an issue in the future.
Shaker Candle Stand: An Oil and Varnish Finish

November 5, 2020

To complete the project, add a beautiful hand-rubbed finish with oil and varnish.

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Tables and Desks

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