Steps in Making a Small Table

Decide on the height of your table, then measure and cut four legs on your work bench.

Line up the legs side-by-side and hold them together with a large C-clamp. Measure again and trim both sides to ensure the legs are exactly the same length.

Decide on the dimensions for the top of your table, then cut two sets of apron boards. Apron boards connect to table legs and form a platform that supports the top of a table. Apron boards should be at least 2 inches wide or they will not be strong enough to support the tabletop.

Attach one of the apron boards to your pocket hole jig and drill two clearance holes and two counter-bores on each side. The clearance holes will allow the screws to slide through the ends of apron boards easily and thread into the adjacent legs. The counter-bores will accommodate the larger radius of the screw heads. Repeat for the remaining three apron boards. Blow compressed air through the pocket holes to remove any debris.

Set up the apron boards and the legs as though they were attached to a table placed upside down on your work surface. Attach the aprons boards and legs by driving pocket screws through the pocket holes.

Flip your "topless" table base and stand it up on its legs. Press down on the corners to adjust it and correct for any wobbling.

Measure the width and length of the table and cut your tabletop to match these dimensions.

Place the top face down on your workbench and put the table base on top of it, apron boards first. Clamp the top and base together for support. Drive screws directly through all four apron boards into the underside of the tabletop, making sure you don't go all the way through.

Sand your table, then leave it natural, paint it or finish it with the stain of your choice.