Pedestal Dining Table with Tim Rousseau

By Tim Rousseau Jul 29, 2015

In this video Workshop, furniture maker and instructor Timothy Rousseau shows you how to build a pedestal dining table with modern flare. By crafting a system of interlocking half-lap and mortise-and-tenon joinery, Rousseau demonstrates how to build a rock-solid central column that is as stylish as it is strong.

Produced by: Asa Christiana and Ed Pirnik; Video by: Gary Junken; Editing by: Gary Junken and Cari Delahanty

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Videos in the Series

How to Build a Pedestal Dining Table

July 29, 2015

In this introductory video, Tim Rousseau explains the background and rationale for the design of his pedestal table.

Pedestal Dining Table: Arm and Foot Joinery

July 29, 2015

Begin construction of the column assembly with tips on how to cut mortises and rock-solid half-lapped joinery for the pedestal's arm and foot components.
Pedestal Dining Table: Shape the Arms and Feet

July 29, 2015

Break out your bandsaw and learn how to use templates to shape the curves and tapers on the pedestal table's arms and feet.
Pedestal Dining Table: Column Joinery

July 29, 2015

Learn how to construct the overlapping mortise-and-tenon joinery that secures the table's vertical column elements to their mating feet and arms.
Pedestal Dining Table: Shape the Column Parts

July 29, 2015

Use a combination of hand and power tools to refine the shape of the pedestal table’s central column.
Pedestal Dining Table: Glue-Up, Part I

July 29, 2015

Tim Rousseau breaks down the glue-up sequence, tackling one joint at a time. Here, he begins the pedestal assembly.
Pedestal Dining Table: Glue-Up, Part II

July 29, 2015

Wrap up the pedestal glue-up and learn how to add hardwood foot pads for a solid tabletop that won’t rock.
Pedestal Dining Table: Shape the Tabletop

July 29, 2015

Timothy Rousseau uses spring sticks and templates to define the tabletop’s gentle curves, and then combines jigsaw and router to achieve a smooth edge profile.

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Watch our experts build a piece of furniture step-by-step on video and download a detailed project plan so you can build along.

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