printable version here

    materials: 
        3 branches for legs that are at least an inch and a half
        to two inches in diameter - 24 inches long
        20” (roughly) log slice for top (available at nurseries or
        home improvement stores as a material for
        path/walkways)
        OR cut your own top using plywood or other wood
        product
        2“ decking screws
        drill
        3/16” drill bit
        hand saw
        wood glue
        adjustable sliders to help level legs, if needed
        your imagination

    
 



 

  Work on the underside of your desired table top to attach legs.
   Saw a slight angle to one end of each of your branches (15-22 degrees)
   Rest angled ends of 2 branches on top piece with intersection of the two
   branches near the center. Be sure your legs do not extend beyond the
   circumference of your table top. Predrill hole in one branch and secure to
   top with decking screw. Repeat with second branch.  Secure where two branches intersect by drilling pilot hole and secure with screw.
   Add 3rd branch in same manner.


To level legs:
Place level on shortest leg
Transfer level mark on each adjoining leg.
Cut to length.

To finish:
Seal with a polyurethane to maintain natural look
Or paint desired color using an artist quality spray paint 

 

   
Rustic Single Branch Side Table:  Excellent Starter Project!
materials:  one single branch with at least 3 shoots coming out of it (fork style base), salvaged lumber or 12” wooden round to use as tabletop. (Consider the sturdiness of the branch when choosing top size), spade bit, hand saw/anvil pruners, wood glue, drill, pocket knife, flush cut saw,
   To level the legs on your branch, take the longest leg and rest it on the table with the other legs along the edge of the table. Make a mark and use pruners or saw to make a straight  cut. Now place this cut branch on the table to make sure it is even with the first branch. Do this same procedure with the next branch, making sure all three or four branches are even.  Use mortise/tenon connection method to secure top to branch base. Drill a hole in the center of your tabletop that is 1/8-1/4” smaller than the diameter of your branch. (1 inch diameter branch would call for a 7/8” spade bit to drill hole)  Measure down 2 inches  on the base branch to know where to begin to whittle.  Using a pocket knife, carefully remove the bark a little at a time down to the 2 inch mark. Whittle until your branch fits into the drilled tabletop.  Whittle evenly all the way around.The branch should fit tight into the drilled hole.  Before you push it all the way through, put some wood glue on the branch. When the branch is all the way through the top and is sticking out, put  it in a vise and saw off the excess evenly using a flush cut saw.  If you find your top is a little loose you can create a mixture of sawdust and wood glue to put in the hole for filler.