This table has been given its name from the sawbuck type of construction used on the legs. Tables of this kind were very popular in colonial days, possibly because they are simple to construct and at the same time, good in design and very sturdy.

Today many tea rooms and gift shops use sawbuck tables. You will no douht, find many uses for a table of this kind. The size you will want to make it will depend upon what this table is to be used for; a good size is 30"x42" or 48". Make the table 30" high off the floor.

Wood from a knotty pine packing case that is made of 7/8" thick lumber will be fine to use for the top of this project. For the legs and the frame work, use common building material, such as spruce, fir, pine or even hemlock, although hemlock slivers quite easily. Get this lumber dressed, that is planed smooth.

The legs are made by simply cutting away one-half the thickness of the wood at the joint, on each of the two pieces; this is known as a cross lap joint. The spread you give to the legs will, to a large extent, depend upon the width of the top. Make this spread a little narrower than the width of the top. Use what is called 2"x3" dressed lumber; this will be 15/8"x25/8" in size, sometimes a trifle larger.

Cross rails are screwed to the legs at the top and two braces or stretchers are screwed to the legs near the bottom as shown on the drawing. For this work, you can, use round head screws, or if you prefer, flat head screws, and then plug the holes with wooden plugs. The top can either be screwed to the framework or simply nailed with finishing nails (nails with small heads).

Finish this table by applying a coat of diluted oil walnut stain, dilute with three parts turpentine and one part oil, walnut stain. Apply liberally, then wipe off all surplus stain with a cloth and follow this when dry, with one coat of thin white shellac (thin with alcohol) and a prepared wax. If you prefer a lighter color finish, simply apply a liberal coat of boiled linseed oil. Wipe off the surplus oil and allow it to dry thoroughly before using the table.

For a more lasting oil finish, apply the oil hot, adding just a little turpentine to the mixture and when dry, rub thoroughly with a soft cloth. The more you rub, the better will be the finish.