free super simple coffee table

[Martin]

This is my first time building from a plan. I just bought the K5 jig and thought this would be a good place to start.

I bought the timber and followed the cutting diagrams.

I then started to put it together and the problems started.

If you cut the stretcher at 22.5'' and fit this to the side aprons that gives you a total width of 24.5''. Then cut the end aprons at 21'' and fit them between the 2''x2'' legs this gives you a total width of 25'' which makes the ends half an inch wider than the middle.

Also when you cut the ply for the top at 24'' and then add the 1''x2'' edging the top must have to fit down over the base but with the middle being 24.5'' and the ends being 25'' how do you make this work. I have taken the plans around to a friend who is a carpenter and he would be interested to know who this works.

[KregRep]

Hi Martin. I just ran through the numbers again. Everything adds up correctly in the plan.

Remember, of course, that the lumber is shown in NOMINAL dimensions. ACTUAL dimensions will be less. 

So:

the 1x2s measure 3/4" x 1 1/2"

the 1x4s measure 3/4" x 3 1/2"

the 2x2s measure 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"

The End Aprons measure 21". Add the two legs at 1 1/2" each, and that gives an overall width of 24"

The Stretchers measure 22 1/2" long. When attached to the Side Aprons (3/4" thick) the total width is 24", which matches the overall width of the Leg/End Apron assembly.

So, when you assemble the table base, the overall size will be 24" wide x 48" long. Therefore, the plywood Top, which is 24"x48" will sit down and allow the edging to slip over the top of the base.

Let us know if you have questions.

KregRep