First project- Process Advice

Maker Talk
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I’m starting my first project outside of a class. It’s a set of small “tables” that will act as display stands. I attached a sketch of my design, but I’m unsure about two key parts:

What’s the best way to cut a block of wood into 0.5” thickness (or should I just buy 1/2 inch wood?)

What’s the best way to create the feet? I’m a little stumped on how to safely get rounded feet of that size.

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Some misc. comments / questions…

  • I’d just get a 1/2” thick wood.
  • When designing bookshelves, which needs to support a bunch of heavy books, it is typically limited to 36” width or otherwise it will sag. What kind of load are you trying to support?
  • I assume your 4x4 in the list of the bottom left means it is 4 feet x 4 feet. If so, the span between your feet is quite large and I’d consider adding intermediate feet to the bottom in the center and on the sides.
  • Are the feet a sphere or a hemisphere - I assume you want hemispheres so they’ll attach to the bottom of your wood. Would you consider: “Rubber Cutting Board Feet with Stainless Washer and Screws, 1/2” Small Black Round Rubber Feet, Non Slip Bumper Pads for Furniture, Electronics & Application,20 Pack” at Amazon.com
  • You can use a router with a 1/4” curved bit to create the round-over radius on top and bottom.

I don’t know if any of this helpful, but maybe talking about what the purpose of your project is would help.

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You didn’t supply the diameter of those feet. I’m thinking a hole saw without a pilot or a plug cutter is your best bet (use the drill press.)

If you want 1/2” hardwood common practice is to buy 3/4 rough cut wood, joint it, then plane to the final thickness. The jointer and planer would have been covered in your wood shop safety course.

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This is super helpful thank you! And 4x4 is actually 4 inches by 4 inches. Small little items to be displayed. Thanks for the link to the rubber feet! I was thinking hemispheres but the rubber feet may do just fine

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Hi @michael.zaino if you want, I’m willing to help/support you with your project. Let me know if this is something you’d be interested in and we can work it out.

Michael

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Lathes are great for anything round!

Simple “spindles” or feet can be done with little learning curve.

We have a spindles class that can get you started with that learning if you’d like!

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