I didn’t know this is actually a popular challenge. This came about for me because I am learning how to use traditional hand tool methods and want to pratice my joinery. Looking around at what materials I have available my wife said “hey, there is a 2×4. What can you do with that?” So here we are; seeing what I can build from a single 8 foot 2×4″.
I am planning on incorporating a few methods I want to practice: mortise and tenon, hand planing, and ripping stock to thickness.
I start by crosscutting all the pieces I need. Two 16″ pieces for the top, two 16″ pieces for the legs, one 10″ and one 12″ piece for the aprons. Now I’m ready to start ripping to thickness.
First I ripped two of the 16″ pieces lengthwise to give me four 1¼” square legs after planing. I then moved on to ripping the 10″ piece in half to give me two ½ x 3¼ x 10″ pieces for the end aprons. After giving the piece for the top the same treatment I was ready for assembly. I don’t have any bar clamps so I need to improvise for clamping the table top.
It was a fun project and I learned a lot.
