Gluing Up a Drawing Table Top?

Gluing Up a Drawing Table Top?

What is the best way to laminate several boards to form a 24 x 22-in. top on a pedestal mount, and also the best wood to use? The table will be used for drawing (as opposed to drafting). – Ralph Libby

Chris Marshall: Forgive me if I’m not understanding your question clearly, but I’m assuming what you’re asking is how to make a flat top for your project; in other words, the best way to assemble the panel. I’d keep it simple: joint the edges of the boards flat and square to create tight seams, and glue and clamp them together with ordinary yellow wood glue. You don’t need biscuits, dowels or other reinforcements to make the glue joints strong enough for light- to moderate-duty use as a drawing table. As far as wood choice goes, I’d use a tight-grained, close-pored wood like hard maple or birch. The wood shouldn’t dent easily from pencil lines, and it will provide a smooth surface that won’t catch your pencil point as you draw.

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