I knew that I had wanted to build an end table/dog crate for quite some time. Something simple, a box made out of wood that my dog could catch some Z's in and I could place a beer on top of while catching the latest episode of my favorite tv show
Without any direction or plans, the pandemic allowed me the time to start working out in the shop. I sought after the material from the wood rack. I came across a bunch of Walnut strips laying around from some random project from my past. I had this idea to re-use these as the "bars" for the crate.
Using a round-over router bit I rounded each one off and set out on the first part of the project. Clean up these sharp edges for safety and aesthetics
Using a half lap joint, I created the frame for each side.
Once all of the sides were cut down and test fitted, I set off to rout in the pocket for the bars to recess in. After a couple of different attempts and a rework of the outfeed table to allow for matchfit clamps, I was able to get all of the pockets in for each bar.
First few test fits look good, now to keep the process going.
The test fit for each bar turned out great, on to the glue up and walk away for the evening. Returning to the shop I mocked up the four sides for fitment and planning the door.
Time to focus on the door hardware, with some leftover material I custom made a pair of hinges.
With the structure complete and the door operational, naturally is was time for a trial run with the animal. :) Enter, Zoey.
Time to start preparing material for the top. I pulled some walnut lumber from the rack. Once planed and jointed, I played around with the arrangement until I was happy.
A little chamfer can add a nice touch to any edge. Hidden fasteners allow me to attach the top from inside.
I applied some finish to the top and the carcass, assembled the components and called this one a wrap.
