Planning and Prepping Pieces

• 1). Choose or draw a plan. A good plan features clear drawings, drawn to scale with step by step assembly diagrams for complex elements, a list of needed materials and a list of tools you need to complete the project. Woodworking books and magazines are a good source of plans.
  
  
• 2). Gather all of the materials and tools needed to build the furniture in your plan in your work space. Be sure to include hardware and sundry items such as wood glue and sandpaper. Purchase or borrow any tools that you do not have. Being able to move from one task to another without interruption will help you make the most of your project time and momentum.
  
  
• 3). Cut all of your pieces starting with the largest pieces first. Complete each task on all pieces before resetting tools to save time and prevent mistakes. Machine all parts after cutout is complete. This includes procedures such as routing edges, drilling for dowels and boring for hardware. Sand all pieces smooth after cutting and machining is complete.
  
  

Assembly

• 1). Lay out the pieces in logical order. Group pieces together that go together: for example, table legs and skirt in one group, table top pieces and expansion leaf in another.
  
  
• 2). Assemble your furniture in sections, building from the ground up. Attach table legs to the skirt to build the frame of the table. Assemble the table top and expansion leaf hardware as a separate piece.
  
  
• 3). Marry, or connect the sections. For example, the table top is attached to the legs and skirt to complete the construction. Complete all assembly procedures before finishing unless otherwise instructed in the plans.
  
  

Finish

• 1). Sand the entire piece of furniture with a fine grit paper to smooth the grain in preparation for stain. Use 150 grit for the first pass and graduate to 220 grit sandpaper for the final pass. Wipe the furniture along the grain with a rag dampened in mineral spirits to remove the sanding dust and align the grain.
  
  
• 2). Rub stain in your choice of color into the grain with a soft cloth. Follow the specific instructions on the product label for best results. In general, wipe the excess stain from the surface to prevent runs and drips. Allow the stain to dry for the label recommended time.
  
  
• 3). Apply two or three coats of clear finish to your furniture with a soft bristle, medium sized brush. Work in long straight strokes, spreading the finish evenly to prevent runs and drips. Do not rush the finish, allow the label recommended drying time and lightly sand with emery cloth between coats.