How to Build an Octagon-Shaped Oak Pedestal

Although they are usually used for displaying items, pedestals have a variety of uses. For instance, you could hold up a table top by using four pedestals, one in each corner of the top. By making your own pedestals, you can customize them for whatever you need them for. This project makes one eight-sided, or octagonal, pedestal that is 26 inches tall. Supplies for the pedestal are found at many home improvement and hardware stores.

Measuring tape
Pencil
4-foot-by-8-foot plywood sheet
Circular and table saws
Safety glasses
Wood glue
Painter's tape
Nylon strap clamps
12-inch wood circles, 2
10-inch wood circles, 2
Wood screws
Drill with screwdriver bits
Finishing nails
Hammer
Wood putty
Putty knife

Instructions

- 1
  Measure and draw eight rectangles on the sheet of plywood. Each rectangle measures 3 5/16 by 24 inches. Cut out the rectangles with a circular saw.
- 2
  Use the table saw to cut mitered edges on the rectangles. These miter cuts allow the octagonal shape to form correctly. Set the saw blade at 22 degrees. Cut along both long edges of each rectangle.
- 3
  Lay a bead of glue along the mitered edge of one board. Place another board on the glued edge, forming the first mitered joint. Use three pieces of tape on the outside of the joint to hold them together for now. Attach two more pieces to this first section in the same way. Repeat the procedure with the other four rectangular pieces, making two halves of the pedestal.
- 4
  Use wood glue on the exposed mitered edges, then press the two halves of the octagon together. Wrap the nylon strap clamps around the octagon, using one at each end and one in the middle. Carefully tighten the clamps until the excess glue is squeezed out. Use equal pressure along the entire length of the pedestal body. Let the pedestal dry overnight.
- 5
  Place one of the 10-inch circles on the top of the pedestal. Center the circle and screw it into place with wood screws. Use at least four screws. Turn the pedestal over and repeat with the remaining 10-inch circle.
- 6
  Center the 12-inch circle on one of the 10-inch circles. Attach the circle with finishing nails and hammer. Use at least four nails per circle. Turn the pedestal over and repeat this procedure. Fill in over the finishing nails with the wood putty and putty knife.
- 7
  Loosen and remove the nylon strap clamps. Sand away any exposed dried glue with sandpaper.

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