Rustic Dining Table with Jimmy DiResta | Build It | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor returns to Upstate New York to build a farmhouse table with maker Jimmy DiResta.
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Time: 4-5 hours
Cost: $1000
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools List for Building a Rustic Dining Table:
Circular saw
Table saw
Surface planer
Framing square
Tenon joiner
Rubber mallet
Clamps
Paintbrush
Palm sander
Drill
Shopping List:
Maple slabs
Table legs kit
Floating tenons
Wood glue
Stain/paint
Sandpaper
Rags
Wax finish
Wood glue
Steps:
1. Use the circular saw to cut all the wood slabs to a rough, workable length.
2. Rip off any live edges or other irregularities with the circular saw.
3. Pass the boards through the table saw to straighten the edges. To do this, pass the board through the table saw multiple times and flip the board each time it’s passed through. Do this multiple times until the board is straight along the fence of the saw.
4. Plane all the boards using the surface planer until they are a uniform thickness.
5. Arrange the boards on a workbench and experiment with each board to see how they best fit and look together.
6. Using the framing square, mark on each board where the floating tenons will join each board together.
7. Use the tenon joiner to cut out holes on each side of the boards on the mark. Some machines have options to make the hole the exact size of the tenon and also slightly larger than the tenon. To ensure and easy but tight fit, cut holes the exact size of the tenon on the left sides of all the boards and cut holes slightly larger than the tenons on the right sides of the boards.
8. Add wood glue into the holes in all the left sides of the boards. Then, hammer in all the floating tenons into those holes with the rubber mallet.
9. Add wood glue to all left sides of the boards and the other side of the hammered in tenons. Spread it out and ensure wood glue covers the entire surface being secured together.
10. Connect the boards together using the floating tenons and the rubber mallet. As each board gets flipped, exposing the right side of the boards, add more wood glue to that side before securing the left side of the next board.
11. Clamp the tabletop together until the glue dries, or about two hours. Once it’s dried, square up the ends with the circular saw and give everything a good sanding.
12. Assemble the legs from the preordered kit.
13. Finish the legs with stain, a finish coat, or paint, based on preference.
14. Apply a finish to the tabletop. In the video, Jimmy applies a wax finish with some rags.
15. Secure the tabletop to the legs and apron using a drill and wood screws.
Resources:
The spalted maple slabs were provided by Vermont Wildwoods (www.vermontwild.... The table legs kit was provided by Classic Designs by Matthew Burak (www.tablelegs.....
To fasten the table together, Jimmy and Kevin used wood glue and floating tenons. The glue is manufactured by Gorilla Glue (www.gorillatough.com ) and the floating tenons are Dominos, which are manufactured by Festool (www.festoolusa.com).
Expert assistance with this project was provided by Jimmy DiResta (www.jimmydirest....
Build It:
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, and special guests including Jimmy DiResta, take you through step-by-step DIY projects in this popular video series. From end-tables to cutting boards to wine racks to chicken coops and more, learn how to build from the best pros in the game. Segments include mention of all tools and materials needed to get the job done.
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Rustic Dining Table with Jimmy DiResta | Build It | Ask This Old House
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[@WillLeingang]

Kevin you have a wealth of knowledge at the tip of your tongue but I love how you hold back and ask questions. Man I want to be just like you.

[@user-hd8ej8yx9p]

This old house AND Diresta????? In heaven Love you Jimmy!!!

[@JackmanWorks]

How do we get Jimmy on every episode?

[@brx017]

Ask for him during the next telethon?

[@davidredden8361]

Offer him a line of coke.

[@Avrohomperl]

Jimmy should just start his own show TV show and post all the episodes on KZbin for free.

[@Danman1972]

@@Avrohomperl Nice dream! He has already had a few show. Production costs. I love his YT channel though.

[@CEverly]

Amen

[@JohnSmith-mv6bw]

Thumbs up just because of Jimmy Diresta!!!

[@SlapMehSilly02]

2 of my favorite KZbin channels packed into one. Amazing to see that you guys are keeping up with Jimmy!!

[@Guardducks]

T.O.H the best 30 min since I was in high school. Have learned so much from Tommy, Richard, Roger and Norm. Thanks guys. You 🤘

[@Scubadog_]

That planer just screams reliability and even the shavings it makes are really satisfying to see!

[@JWimpy]

I have been jointing my lumber like that for ever and it works great. A good blade and a good true table saw make super slick straight edges.

[@joshmagrum3552]

I love how natural Jimmy is in front of the camera...the video flowed very well

[@HamidA-to8vy]

Jimmy: "We have legs that I found from the garbage" Kevin: "It sounds like you

[@cbalan777]

He does have garbage legs.

[@1hollyhock3]

"...on the streets of New York."

[@MaximilianonMars]

@@cbalan777 😂😂 hahahaha

[@springwoodcottage4248]

Remarkable how beautiful the table turned out especially given how quickly it was made, the benefit of having someone greatly skilled in the art. Thanks for sharing!

[@messilionel7174]

DiResta is the best in the world for long time ago ,every time worked so good....

[@heathnelson]

Cool to see jimmy back.

[@seanp1602]

I saw jimmy diresta and clicked play. That easy.

[@andywright2380]

its great to feature simple projects like this - great way to give someone the confidence that they can build a piece of furniture

[@prakashkanji2478]

Table saw jointer....that's AWESOME!!

[@WoodenCreationz]

DUDEEE... I had no idea on the jointing of the boards on the table saw!!! MIND BLOWN!!! Awesome Job Jimmy and TOH!!!!!

[@aaronolson9501]

Jimmy, you remind me of Norm Abram every time I watch. Showing people that they can make beautiful things with the tools they have and don't have to spend a fortune on a shop. Making woodworking common sense. Thank you!

[@GrapplingIgnorance]

Umm that Festool domino joiner he used is over $1000 by itself!

[@c.brooks7199]

This Old House and Jimmy DiResta......I couldn't be happier......

[@digitaIgorilla]

I only mentioned 'This Old House' on Jimmy's last video! Small world. I think KZbin suggested this because I follow Jimmy. :) Glad it did.

[@dakotawoodworx2282]

Nice to see the more mainstream big shows recognize some of the brilliant makers who are out there. Nice work TOH!!!

[@toolhog10]

How long has This old house been going for? I remember watching as a kid like 25 years ago along with Yankee workshop and Hometime.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

ahh, the good old days. and _hometime_ with joanne liebler 😍

[@deme7063]

before internet

[@toolhog10]

Yeah I think the first internet we had was in about 95 or so with the 14.4k modem. No video streaming on that. I was stoked to have downloaded a picture and print it. haha... people were using those old bulletin board systems though too just before my time.

[@KevinRay_man]

I loved that special hometime did when they built a log cabin from beginning to end, had that bad boy on vhs and man did I love it lol. The toh, hometime and yankee workshop was the other half of my powerblock weekend routine with the horsepower tv and Trucks with Stacey David shows. Good times.

[@kevindavy665]

I believe this is the 40th season.

[@tobinprowant10]

I've actually met the maker before it was very exciting. I'm a big fan of KZbin makers and I love meeting them.

[@togetherwemake8048]

yay Jimmy your the man keep Jimmy coming back he's the greatest

[@ManCrafting]

The was dead simple. Great job Jimmy. Always cool watching your process and seeing why you do something a particular way. The pre-made legs makes this a really simple project.

[@ianthomas3653]

Jimmy is a legend

[@jonwills4670]

We NEED more episodes with Jimmy Diresta!!

[@NirvanaWoodWorksbyJanie]

I ALWAYS learn a trick watching Jimmy!

[@Bansheekilr]

DiResta is the man!

[@whitehurstathome]

They make a dust collection port for the old delta planers. That was my first planer and I bought one because I was tired of all the cleanup every time I used it. It worked flawlessly.

[@andrewhare4907]

We need more videos with jimmy

[@PaulMeyette]

Jimmy just doing what he does best. He MAKES things. He doesn't waste time on things that don't matter. Beautiful table top, with an adequate base. Perfect.

[@christopherdubour6662]

Jimmy’s a maverick and I’ve learned a lot of tricks from following him these last few years. Great combination of Jimmy and TOH! 👍👍 I’m going to try and expand one of the holes for a “floating tenon” from my doweling jig on my next table top.

[@christopherdubour6662]

Never mind, I just thought about how expanding a drilled hole will defeat the purpose of lining up the boards vertically! 🤦‍♂️

[@TheWoodLab]

Love the Jimmy build it segments! - Jim

[@PMichaels]

Jimmy on ATOH is the best! It’s like Avengers - all the super heroes together on the same show. Awesome job, guys! 👍🏼

[@aimremodellingaesthetics6423]

Hey! Awesome to see DiResta on! Love my trade, i enjoy watching & learning from guys in my generation.

[@WhoNoes]

Another great build. Thanks for sharing and having Jimmy on the show!

[@AndrewMiguelez]

"Here's how to do it if you don't have a jointer." *pulls out Festool domino...*

[@Balegedoo]

Here's practically the same table without the domino. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqPMdoZtgb5qjas

[@cubbychambers]

@@Balegedoo Yeah I have a feeling he mentioned using the Beadlock jig for the other table and it got cut because it's a specific brand. Seems the same happened to him mentioning tablelegs.com too since you just hear Jimmy randomly refer to a 'they'. Either the editor made the decision or TOH didn't want to bother with asking for permission/couldn't get a hold of a rep for the brands.

[@Whamola]

I guess you could get a doweling jig and do it that way. But seriously, if you have $950 to drop on a single tool and you choose a Domino over a jointer, you need to get your priorities back in order.

[@mikefas5406]

@@Whamola there are plenty of jointers that do the same exact thing for $200. Check out porter cables version. Same exact thing but not 950. :)

[@williamsmith9026]

The domino is a yuuuuge game changer. If you are gonna be building things regularly spend the money. Nothing else comes close to that machine!

[@emanuelvidalrm]

Father of youtube woodworking right there

[@Switch.lol_]

This is so awesome that you're collaborating with KZbinrs I look forward to seeing more!

[@bruceschneider4928]

Always good to see either Jimmy or ATOH, but together, even better, a real all star team.

[@madebyjway6019]

I love it when Ask TOH and DiResta work together.

[@theradonpros]

We love Jimmy a-lot-a-bit

[@JimothyK]

Jimmy is the best.

[@BoomerKeith1]

Always interested in a video that includes Jimmy Diresta. As a ATOH fan and a Diresta Fan this video was a bonus!

[@donaldpowell7762]

The two of you need a show together!

[@JayDoscher]

Can we get Jimmy into more episodes? I look forward to these every year.

[@Stretch1931]

And as always, way to go Jimmy!! Love the episode, and keeps the explanations very straightforward.

[@robertoconnell8153]

As much Jimmie as you can!!!!! MORE DIRESTA!!!!

[@lysergicheadcase]

Great project with someone that knows what theyre doing

[@Warshipmodelsunderway]

I would love to see Jimmy DiResta do a new version of the New Yankee Workshop. He's definitely a Normite (he loves all tools) , and it would be so cool to see what he would come up with every week. It would be a great way to extend the This Old House brand, and fill that big gap left by Norm's retirement from his show.

[@Mizzelphug]

I like Jimmy but he normally uses a bandsaw for everything in the most nail biting way possible. As someone who has lost a finger in a bandsaw, I wish he would be more careful.

[@tonyozimek2116]

Love Jimmy!! Keep bringing him on your great show!

[@BruceAUlrich]

Enjoyed that! And great tip for flipping it over and over on the tablesaw.

[@VartaBok]

Live edge cutoffs could be used on smaller side tables, raised live edges ( raised an inch or 2) for side/serving table can be used for many purposes, drinks , appetizers, cards/poker , reading, stationary hobbies.. and you have options for only having raised live edges on 1,2,3 sides leaving some flat and open depending on your taste and function

[@michaelbolen2118]

Wow, that is way faster than my last table build, and looks very nice. I appreciate Jimmy's no nonsense approach! I do think it is probably easier to put straight reference board alongside the board you are working on, and run it against the fence to use the table saw as a jointer, rather than the repeated pass approach he showed.

[@FigmentsMade]

Fantastic video and a great partnership as always with ATOH and Jimmy! I'm going to be building my first table soon and now I've got a great and easy process to follow that I know will work! Keep these videos coming!!

[@blitzburghbilly7813]

JIMMY DIRESTA STRIKES AGAIN 👏🏼 ..... ( KNUCKLE👊🏽BUMP ) This Old House....

[@johnmann928]

Thanks

[@blitzburghbilly7813]

@@johnmann928 WHAT'S YOUR 👈🏼 GOOFY A$$ DOING HERE ON MY POST. SAYING THANKS FOR 🤔 ??? .......

[@adammcmillen977]

Jimmy is the man!

[@SuperKwame1]

Always nice to see The Great Jimmy R. with His Excellent skills. I don't know who his team Partner is, But I think, it is Kevin. O.

[@dudelebowski4933]

Diresta and those disposable brushes all the time. Drives me nuts

[@Loudog212]

Two of my favorite channels come together! Looks great Jimmy

[@EliteSniperFMJ]

Had that planer as long as I been around. Sweet!

[@BurtonsAttic]

Looks awesome, needs to be in my kitchen! I've done that table saw jointing trick before and it works great.

[@patricktdonovan]

Jimmy is awesome so great to see him back this season!!!! Hope he continues to be a featured maker!!!!

[@HomeImprovementWoodworking]

Great to see Jimmy on This Old House! Cool!

[@cemx86]

The top will probably contract and expand over the seasons. When attaching the top to the base (apron) I would have used clips to allow the top to move and prevent it from splitting.

[@ModernBuilds]

More Jimmy! :)

[@grizdeluxe]

The only thing I would have changed is the means of attaching the table top to the stretchers. The pocket screws dont allow for the seasonal expansion and contraction of the top. I learned that from Norm. :)

[@donwhitehead4587]

Apparently, this "seasonal expansion" isn't the concern it once was. Many woodworkers on vlogs have determined that this is not a big deal anymore because so much furniture being made these days finds itself in HVAC system houses that keep the year round humidity at constant levels. I have made 3 white oak shaker tables with tops attached with pocket screws and have found absolutely NO adverse affects.

[@grizdeluxe]

@@donwhitehead4587 I have building furniture for 25 years. My own dining table moves 1/4 to 5/16 during the year. Because I allowed for it my mortise and tenon are unaffected. Build as you like but I feel it's small effort to build for long term longevity. Pocket screws have their place. Not for attaching table tops imo.

[@donwhitehead4587]

grizdeluxe, I got you by 5 years! 30 yrs building furniture here. All I can say is old habits die hard. No one does this apply to more than me. Any further debate would prove counterproductive. Build on Mr Griz👍🏻

[@juliof970]

Tommy used those double washers. That seems better but I'm not a carpenter.

[@calebwhite1999]

The Izzy Swan skirt washers from Fastcap.com work great.

[@robertgullickson8758]

Super! It’s not always about the tools. Great project. Thank you

[@jeffperra]

Love to see how you made the table table that sits outside

[@DumpsterMarcus]

came out AWESOME!!!! love watching diresta work!!

[@cath4v]

Cool to seeing you together. 👋🏼🇨🇦👋🏼

[@bigdogmn73]

Nice job Jimmy!!

[@briansmith8967]

Amazing - the guard is still on the table saw!

[@bettyescookingchannel]

Beautiful table.

[@jryanramer]

Classic Diresta. 🤘

[@whitehurstathome]

I see a lot of comments about the domino. You can use your table saw to cut centered grooves on the edges and make splines to fit using your cut offs.

[@buckeyewoodshop]

I've been jointing boards on the table saw for 30 years, even tho I do have an 8" jointer. Just depends on what mood I'm in that day as to which way I do it. Don't need a $1000 festool to keep my boards lined up, that's what a $20 bar clamp and cauls are for.

[@discgolftrainnut]

I always watch Jimmy's videos.

[@hsvr]

Jimmy is such a humble guy who has some great projects. I think This Old House could learn a lesson or 2 from his format of videos and engagement because the tend to act like a corporation at times

[@nigegrumlin6636]

Great collaboration. Best wishes from Yorkshire, England.

[@TuffMovies]

Finally Jimmy alotobit Diresta

[@thedrizz1913]

I see Jimmy, I thumbs up and share. Great to see the collab. More please.

[@mb_art_official]

Great collaboration again, guys!

[@AltonMachineCom]

More Jimmy!! Thanks Guys!

[@twodogswoodworkingandwood6742]

I have some logs on the ground right now... should be some nice spaulting going on. I can hardly wait to make some tables with it.

[@vlunceford]

I would have had to try to use the live edge on that one beautiful piece.

[@lysdexsick]

Amazing as usual!!!

[@CROWLEY2478]

MORE JIMMY!!!!

[@rb305]

More Jimmy Diresta!

[@headknocker8999]

You are a force Jimmy

[@harrygirgin9093]

Jimmy is just to cool.

[@nateqwikable]

Me: "Something doesn't seem right..." Me after changing playback speed to 2X: "Oh, it's a Diresta video!"

[@ManCrafting]

Bwa ha ha. Chris! That’s one bold sticker placement. 👊🏼🔥👊🏼

[@PaulIstoan]

Beautiful table! Love the results!

[@sparkyguy277]

More Jimmy please!!

[@ARusso1192]

Jimmy D is the man!!!

[@andrewk-majordochomerepair6014]

Very quick beautiful looking table. I suppose one could do dowel joinery if one doesn't have a Domino like myself. Question I do have though is if there would be any concern about the wood joinery actually splitting if the top is fixed on all sides by the pocket screw connections that won't allow for usual wood expansion/contraction?

[@Takeithome345]

Awesomeness !!!!!!!

[@BigFarles]

Get Jimmy on more. That guy is magic.