Build Log Furniture: a Split-Log Table and Bench Set

By Charles Andrews
Published on May 1, 1984
1 / 7

Use a paper template.
Use a paper template.
2 / 7

Split two benches from a single log. 
Split two benches from a single log. 
3 / 7

Slot for compression.
Slot for compression.
4 / 7

Drilling the leg holes.
Drilling the leg holes.
5 / 7

Use a hatchet to split uniform leg blanks.
Use a hatchet to split uniform leg blanks.
6 / 7

Shaping the legs.
Shaping the legs.
7 / 7

Splitting the wedges.
Splitting the wedges.

Since the procedures for making log furniture don’t vary much from one particular item to another, I’ll go through the steps only once–in this case describing a bench. To make the table, just repeat the steps, modifying only the dimensions. (This table and bench set is kiddie-size; you may wish to make yours larger.)

Tools and Materials

Step 1: The tools you’ll need for this project are a maul, two splitting wedges, an axe, a hatchet, a brace and 1″ bit, a small saw, and a large knife. I split two benches from a single poplar log with an 11″ diameter. The bench legs were split from a single 20″ oak log. The wedges that secure the legs to the bench tops can be split from any hard, close-grained wood.

Splitting

Step 2: Begin the bench-top split by tapping a wedge into one end of the log at a 45° angle. Drive the second wedge into the spreading crack until the first can be removed. Continue until the log is split through. Now (if you wish), remove the bark.

Drilling the Leg Holes

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368