On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 23:32:21 -0000, damian penney
wrote:

When designing a console table how do you determine whether or not you
need a stretcher at the bottom of the legs? Is there some kind of rule
of thumb, guidelines? My legs will be 1 1/2" square and made of
walnut, dovetailed to the top rail/stiles and mortised to the rail/
stile below a drawer about 4" down. Leg length is about 40".


A stretcher certainly makes a piece stronger, but it can get in the
way for some applications (dining table, desk, etc). Without a
stretcher, you will need some other brace or apron to resist racking.