EDGE-GLUE BOARDS TO MAKE PANELS

The main components of this project are made from edge-glued panels: three 25-in. x 52-in. panels for the top and shelves, and two 25-in. x 32-in. panels for the uprights. See the Cutting List for finished sizes. You’ll get two uprights from each panel. Glue up the divider separately.

To get started, crosscut the 2x6s into lengths about 4 in. longer than required. You’ll cut them to finished length after gluing. On a table saw, rip the radiused edges off both sides of each 2x6, leaving a finished width of 5 in. This way, you’ll have square, straight edges for gluing.

Quality lumber makes building easier and the end result better. Good-quality cedar isn’t cheap, though. The lumber and materials for this project cost about $750. Home centers don’t always have the best lumber, so I found a lumberyard with an ample supply of nice cedar. After handpicking straight stock, I let the lumber acclimate in my shop for about a week. You could save money by using standard construction lumber, but it’s not as resistant to the elements as cedar.

Dotted lines indicate final size

No. 20 biscuits Once your boards are prepped, install biscuits. No biscuit joiner? Don’t sweat it. Biscuits help with alignment, but if your boards and your workbench are flat, you don’t need them.