Assembling a Waterfall Table Miter

Live edge and waterfall tables are extremely popular. Making a waterfall table involves mitering the slab, and then gluing the miter together. These are typically large slabs and big miters. And, of course, you’re not make a four-sided frame. You’re making a three-sided U. That means that conventional clamping techniques probably aren’t going to work. This is a great application for cyanoacrylate glue, clamping blocks, and great clamps.

How’s it work?

Clamping blocks are commonly used as a temporary addition, allowing you to clamp wood in a spot you might not otherwise be able to get a clamp. Keeping in mind they’re a temporary addition, we need to be able to get them off later. That’s where the CA glue comes in. It’s plenty strong for what we need to do here, but we’ll be able to easily remove the blocks after the joint is glued up.

Drawing the joint closed

With a well-executed miter it shouldn’t take much to close the joint. A clamp about every 6”-8” should be sufficient. Take it easy as you tighten the clamps, working your way across the miter.

Other tricks

Gluing and clamping wood can be straightforward, or can require some creative shop engineering. Not every situation is the same, so it’s good to have a bag of gluing and clamping tricks and techniques.

Furniture making

It’s very rewarding to make furniture and see it in your own home, or the homes of family and friends.

More info

If you want to know more about Bessey’s GK30 GearKlamps visit the Bessey website at bessey.de.