Difficulty Rating (one hammer is least difficult, four hammers is most difficult)
Our version measures 16 x 20 inches and is 29 inches high. We eliminated the side handles and casters featured on some of Jefferson's dumbwaiters.
Construction of the piece is relatively simple. There are 4 legs, 16 rails, and 4 shelves. For strength, mortise-and-tenon construction is used to attach the rails to the legs.
For the top rails, a haunched tenon is used. The detailed plans and instructions show how to make this special joint.
Our piece was constructed entirely of Honduras mahogany, but another hardwood, such as maple or cherry, could be substituted.
