Steps 1 to 3:
Step 1. Cut the pieces
Cut all the pieces to the lengths given in the drawing above. Cut the longer pieces first to minimize waste.
Note that pieces [E] and [B] have one end angled back 15° off squareA line across the face of a piece of wood (at right angles to the length) is a square line. A line deviating from the square line is off square. Off-square refers to how many degrees the off square line is in relation to the square line. For example, a line at a 5 degrees angle to the square line, is 5 degrees off square., and piece [D] has both ends angled back 15° off square as shown in the drawing above.
All other pieces are square cut.
Step 2. Make the seat frame
Make up the seat frame as shown in the drawing above.
Note that one end of pieces [B] (the cross members) are angled back 15° off square.
Note that the distance between the two intermediate cross members [B]
is 18-1/2″ (470mm). This is an important measurement.
Fixing detail: This applies to every step.
Apply glue to every jointThe gap or space created when two building materials come together, such as where two pieces of molding join or where the bathtub and bathroom wall meet. before fixing with screws. Each step shows the screw holes marked with a black dot.
Pre-drill all the screw holes in the faceThe widest side of a piece of wood. piece of woodTimber, lumber. The hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees at each joint. The face piece is the piece where you will see the screw head (the screw hole dots shown in the drawings).
Refer to the drawing in each step for screw placement.
Use 3″ (75mm) screws in steps 2,3,4,and 8.
Use 2″ (50mm) screws in steps 5and 7.
Use 2″ (50mm) screws in step 6 except for the top of the table frame where you will use 3″ (75mm) screws.
Step 3. Make up the side frames
Make up the side frames as shown in the drawing above. The left side is a mirror image of the right side.
After a few initial explanations and a couple throughout the project, Les left me alone to read from the plans and get on with it.
I felt I handled the electric saw and drill with confidence and ease. I wasn’t at all intimated by the drop-saw as I read some of the
first-time girls were and I soon learnt to hold the drill-driver in proper alignment with the screws. There were only a couple of instances (maybe more) where I had to call on Les for some assistants.
It was such a lot of fun and I thouroughly enjoyed it. I think I could just about do another one by myself although Les said for safety reasons I would probably need supervision for the next one or two. It took about six hours to make over a couple of days.
I would recommend anyone to give such a project a try.
I am very proud of my bench seat with it’s little table.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS20IoA46II&feature=youtu.be