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Round Side Table: Install Glue Blocks

Use glue blocks to reinforce the half-lap joinery of the bottom rails.

By Gary Rogowski #193–Sept/Oct 2007 Issue

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Learn how to build a round side table from start to finish in this Video Workshop series. Author, woodworker, and teacher Gary Rogowski, founder and director of the Northwest Woodworking Studio in Portland, Ore., goes step-by-step through the construction of an elegant round side table.

In this episode, learn how to reinforce the half-lap joinery with glue blocks and take home tips for cutting and installing them precisely.

Produced by: Gary Junken; Video by: Gary Junken

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Videos in the Series

Round Side Table: Introduction

August 7, 2012

In this introductory video, Gary Rogowski outlines the complete construction process for this simple round table.
Round Side Table: Make a Round Tabletop

August 7, 2012

Glue up the panels for the tabletop and lower shelf, flatten them with hand tools, and cut out perfect circles on the bandsaw.
Round Side Table: Smooth a Round Edge with a Spokeshave

August 7, 2012

Learn how to clean up a round tabletop edge with a spokeshave and apply a chamfer with the router table.
Round Side Table: Cut a Bridle Joint

August 7, 2012

Rogowski shows how to cut a bridle joint in a few simple steps on the bandsaw.
Round Side Table: Cut and Fit a Mortise-and-Tenon Joint

August 7, 2012

Gary Rogowski shares tips and techniques for cutting, sizing, and fitting the joint with hand and power tools.
Round Side Table: Cut a Half-Lap Joint

August 7, 2012

Learn how to produce a perfect fit on the tablesaw when preparing the half-lap joinery for the stretcher and rail assemblies.
Round Side Table: No-Stress Glue-Up

August 7, 2012

Assemble the table in multiple stages to take the stress out of glue-up.
Round Side Table: Inlay a Square Peg

August 7, 2012

Use a mix of hand and power tools to cut the peg hole in the edge of the tabletop and shape the beveled edge once the peg is installed.
Round Side Table: Install Glue Blocks

August 7, 2012

Use glue blocks to reinforce the half-lap joinery of the bottom rails.
Round Side Table: Finishing Walnut

August 7, 2012

Prepare the surface with planes and a little sanding, and learn best practices for applying a wipe-on varnish.
Round Side Table: Attach the Tabletop with Screws

August 7, 2012

Elongated screw holes allow the wide tabletop to shrink and expand without coming unglued.
Round Side Table: Level Uneven Table Legs

August 7, 2012

Gary Rogowski uses this smart technique on the tablesaw to trim off the bottom of uneven table legs.

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Previous: Round Side Table: Inlay a Square Peg Next: Round Side Table: Finishing Walnut

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Tables and Desks

Tables and Desks

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