Uploaded July 2017 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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The first video in a series about building a simple Shaker style night stand (end/side table) with all hand tools.

First off, I know there is a lot of talking--in the upcoming parts of the series, there will be much more "action"!

In this video, I look at a previous nightstand that I built that will serve as a guide for this project. I also look at a traditional Shaker table in the book "How to Build Shaker Furniture" by Thomas Moser.

After that, I go over the cut list and lay out the cuts for the major elements of the nightstand.

Finally, I make the first cuts to bring the pieces to their rough dimensions.

Future parts in the series:
Part 1.5: Overview of SketchUp Plans
Part 2: Shaping the legs, Cutting/Gluing the Top and Sides
Part 3: Final Dimensioning
Part 4: Mortising the Sides
Part 5: Shaping the Top
Part 6: Carcass Glue-up
Part 7: Making the Drawer
Part 8: Painting, Reveal, Conclusion




Link to book at Amazon: amazon.com/dp/1440313040/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T1_s1HCzb9E8XMCM

Other similar videos on YouTube:
New Yankee Workshop, Norm Abrams Bed Side Table: youtu.be/1NjPPwSpQ4M

Rough Cut Woodworking with Tommy Mac, Shaker Night Stand: youtu.be/u4WpQGhJmNg

Fine Woodworking, Single Board Side Table: youtu.be/Kk987yw6RVE

Woodwright's Shop, Double Drawer Shaker Table, Roy Underhill: pbs.org/video/2365554493