In constructing the round dining table the joining of the top will prove to be the most difficult part.

If the amateur has had no experience in this line, it is best to have the lumber-mill do it for him. Secure good clear lumber of fair width and, after truing up the edges, lay the several pieces on the bench and draw a circle about an inch larger than the finished top. Rough out the boards with the saw, and join them with fresh glue, clamping tightly until dry. Draw the final circle, and remove the surplus material with the key-hole saw, finishing with the plane.

The four two-inch under pieces are now to be prepared in the form shown on the bottom view of our drawing. Fit these together accurately, and see that the spaces for the tops of legs are perfectly square and at right angles with the top. Next attend to the legs. In forming the feet make a saw cut on the four sides to a depth of three eighths of an inch, and then finish with the chisel. Mark out the position of the mortises for the tie pieces, and cut them from both sides. Carefully determine the length of these tie pieces and tenon them to match the legs. When the tie bars pass one another at the center, cut down each one to half its width. Put the legs and tie pieces all together, and set them on the top, which should be placed on the floor, bottom side up. (Be sure that nothing is on the floor to mar it.) Fasten each leg to the top with glue and three long screws set in at an angle. With very fine sand-paper go over the table and slightly remove the corners. When sand-papering the top and legs do not hold the paper in hand, but place it on a block.