You can use pedestals to display a variety of items.
Pedestals have a variety of uses, although they are most often for displaying items. They can also serve as a base for a table or as supports for a larger structure. The octagon shape gives the pedestal strength and rigidity, which makes it sturdy and able to hold heavier items. While you can make these pedestals in any height and diameter, this project focuses on a pedestal that is 8 inches in diameter and 26 inches tall.
Instructions
1. Measure eight 3 5/16-by-24-inch rectangles onto a sheet of plywood. Cut them out with a circular saw.
2. Set the blade of the table saw at a 22 1/2-degree angle. Carefully line up the long side of one of the previously cut pieces so that only the top edge of the plywood gets cut away. Cut both long edges on all eight sections this way.
3. Drill pilot holes every 4 inches on four of the octagon pieces.
4. Lay a bead of glue on two sections, one with pilot holes and one without, on one long edge of either piece. Line up the two sections and hammer in finish nails through the pilot holes. Repeat this procedure on the other sections. You will end up with four pieces.
5. Glue and hammer the four sections together, as you did in the previous step.
6. Center a 12-inch wood circle on top of the pedestal. Attach it with wood screws. Turn the pedestal over and repeat this process.
7. Lay a 10-inch circle on top of the pedestal, centered on the 12-inch circle. Attach the two circles together using wood screws. Use a screw that is just long enough to bite into the larger circle. Repeat this process with the other 10-inch circle and other end of the pedestal.
8. Fill in the seams of the octagon and nail holes and cover the screw heads with wood putty. To get a flat finish, use a putty knife. Let the putty dry according to the manufacturer's directions. If needed, gently sand excess putty away when it is dry.
9. Varnish the pedestal. Use as many coasts as needed to achieve the desired finish. Let dry completely before using.
Tags: pilot holes, 10-inch circle, circle pedestal, Repeat this, this process, with wood, wood screws
