Tilting Carving Table by Jim Farley

[moltroub]

I have a question on the measurements provided in the material list. The base front top rail indicates - 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" x22" but from the pictures it appears more around the 2 1/2" width. I'm taking this from the side shot on pg 60 as well as the picture and drawing on pg 59. It appears that the thinnest part of the curve may be in the 1 1/4" range.

I've kept the lumber in the room I plan to use for this carving table and am ready to begin cutting. I just want to make sure when I measure twice, I'm measuring correctly

Thanks!
Elaine

[mps9653]

Look at the pictures/drawings again. The only curve to the top is the tilt supports on the back. The drawing on page 59 shows the top rail is less than 1/2 the width of the legs, which are 31/2", or 4x4. The top being secured with a piano hinge is barely distinguishable form the top rail in then photo on page 60.If you look very closly you will see color changes in the three items, hinge, top, and top rail. Hope this helps. Mike

[moltroub]

Mike,

Thanks for your reply. However, I'm not talking about the table, just the base. Sorry if I miscommunicated.

What I'm looking at aside from the Sketch Up type drawing, is say the first picture next to the article's title and the smaller picture to the right of the larger showcase picture.

If I put a straight edge from left to right from the bottom of the (base) hardwood front top rail, there's an arc. Also under materials the measurements are 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" x 22" with the bottom rail being 1/4" in thickness and height greater than the top rail.

What I'm seeing is a top rail board that appears twice the height than the thickness.

This is my first bench of any type and I may be a wee bit on the anal side here. Does it really matter if I make it 1 1/4" thick and 2 1/2" wide? It will still give me 3/4" between the tenon/mortise and the lap joint or can I go 1 1/2" in thickness? This will leave only 1/2" between the two types of joints.

Newbie Jitters I guess,
Elaine