How to Build Rustic Cedar Furniture
- 1). Put goggles and gloves on before entering the forest. Select a green cedar tree that is at least 4 feet tall and 12 inches in diameter. Cut down with a hand saw. Remove all the branches from the tree using a hatchet.
- 2). Cut the log down to 30 inches in length. Set upright and place one of the splitting wedges at a 45-degree angle in the center of the log. Hit with the sledge hammer until the log begins to split down the side.
- 3). Lay the log on its side with the split facing upward. Place the other splitting wedge in the split on the side. Hit with the sledge hammer until the log splits into two pieces.
- 4). Examine both halves of the log and select the one that has the flattest surface for the tabletop. Place the selected log on a flat surface with the cut side down. Place a paper template on top and mark where the legs of the table will be placed.
- 5). Place the 1-inch bit on the first marked area on the log and turn the handle of the brace. Continue to turn the handle until the bit comes out the top of the tabletop. Continue for the remaining holes for the legs.
- 6). Split four 3-by-3 inch pieces of wood from the other half of the log. Place one of the splitting wedges into the top of the log and hit with the sledge hammer. Continue until all four pieces are complete.
- 7). Shape one end of each leg into a rounded shape using a hatchet. Dry fit the legs into the table making sure that the legs come up through the tabletop. Leave the legs in table once they all fit.
- 8). Cut a 4-inch-deep slot into the rounded end of each leg. Split four wedges of wood that are 1 inch wide, 1/16 inch thick, and 6 inches long using a hatchet. Shape each wedge with a knife so that one end is thin.
- 9). Open the split on each leg and force the wedge into the split. Hit with a maul until the wedge is inside the leg securely. Remove any part of the leg that is sticking up above the tabletop with a hand saw.
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