Here’s a simple modern tv console project put together with dowel joinery.
It’s flush on the sides so you can set multiple pieces side by side for longer walls.
Painting it black really completes the modern look, but feel free to leave a natural wood look.
But if you’re not going to paint it, just be sure to finish it with a protective coat like wipe on polyurethane.
>> How to Apply Wipe On Polyurethane
>> Wood Finishes – Choosing The Right Type For Your Wood Project
To get to the final width of the shelf and the top, you may need to edge glue 2 or 3 narrower boards together.
Even if you have a single board wide enough, by ripping it down and gluing narrower pieces together, the final glued up piece will be more stable, and will be more likely to stay nice and flat.
>> How To Glue Up A Really Flat Panel
Modern TV Console – Project Plans
1 – Once your wide pieces are created, go ahead and cut all your pieces to their final dimensions:
2 – Cut 1-1/2″ by 1-1/2″ notches in each corner of the shelf to fit the legs.
3 – Each leg will get 5/16″ dowel holes at the top, and on one side centered 7-3/4″ from the bottom, where you’ll attach the shelf.
Each hole is centered 3/8″ in from the edge.
4 – Drill 8 holes in the shelf, 5/16″ diameter, 7/8″ deep, in the locations indicated below.
These holes should be centered in the shelf, and the spacing will match that of the holes drilled in the side of each leg.
5 – Drill 5/16″ holes, 7/8″ deep, in 4 locations at each end of the top (8 holes total).
Position the holes as indicated below.
TIP >> Before actually gluing, go through the following steps without any glue for a practice run. This will ensure you have everything ready, and that everything is going to fit together before your glue up.
6 – Glue 1-1/2″ x 5/16″ dowels in each hole attaching the legs to the shelf. Clamp the legs tight into the shelf.
Important: Move to the step 7 before letting the glue dry.
7 – Glue 1-1/2″ x 5/16″ dowels in each hole to attach the top to the legs. Place weights on the top if you don’t have enough big clamps.
Wipe off glue squeeze out with a damp rag before it dries hard. If it does start to dry, use a chisel or glue scraper to remove the squeeze out.
Now let it set for an hour before unclamping and final sanding.
Once you’ve sanded it to 180 grit, clean off the sanding dust and apply your finish.
Tips For Dowel Joinery
- Apply your glue to each hole with a small brush, and directly on the dowel as well.
- The total sum of each mating holes’ depths should be slightly greater than the length of the dowel. This will allow space for excess glue to reside when pushed together.
- PVA glue (regular wood glue) is typically the glue of choice. But for easier cleanup and better lubrication on the dowels, you can also try liquid Hide Glue.
Please save to Pinterest, share on Facebook, and sign up below for project updates and great woodworking stuff straight to your inbox!
Related:
Wood Finishes 101
How To Stain Wood
Applying Polyurethane
Using Hide Glue
All About PVA Glue
Other Woodworking Projects
