Bedside Table Build Process

Return to main project page

I haven't managed to do much on the table in the last few weeks, mainly due to the heat wave making the workshop be essentially off-limits. This weekend is promising to be a bit cooler so I'm hoping to get started on some of the wood preparation.

In the meantime I have managed to do a bit more work on the design (and in fact I decided to start the CAD model from scratch to make it a bit easier to change dimensions without having to remodel much). I've been toying with the idea of adding a second drawer. This would increase the practicality rather dramatically but make the overall design look quite a bit heavier (for want of a better word). Here are the latest two CAD models next to each other:

This orthographic front view perhaps gives a better idea of relative sizes:

The top is thinner than in the original model (20 mm rather than 24 mm) and the legs taper down a bit thinner (from 40 mm square at the top to 20 mm square at the bottom). At the moment I've made the intermediate rail in the two-drawer one a bit thinner than the top and bottom rails (16 mm vs 20 mm). Drawer sizes on the two-drawer one were mostly chosen for practicality reasons (the top one will hold a box of tissues and the lower one a variety of clutter).

I showed the two-drawer design to my other half and her reaction was that she liked the look of it (but hadn't been expecting to like it based on my description). So that's at least one vote in favour.

I'm still pondering the design and keep wavering back and forth between practicality and lightness (i.e. two drawer and single drawer). I'd still welcome any and all thoughts and opinions. I'm fairly sure the first parts I'll start working on will be the legs (despite the thickest Sycamore being at the bottom of the pile!) and most of the initial work is going to be planing stuff flat and of even thickness, so it'll be a while before I have to commit to any particular design I think.

I am a hobbyist metalworker and woodworker. I work as an electronic design engineer and spend most of my working days in front of a computer so I enjoy having the opportunity to use my hands and make things in my spare time. I particularly enjoy making tools as I can then use them on other projects. This website showcases some of the things I've made.

This website is free and ad-free, but costs me money to run. If you'd like to support this site, please consider making a small donation or sending me a message to let me know what you liked or found useful.

Please do get in touch if you notice any issues on the site or can think of anything that would be a helpful addition or improvement.