|
|
Project # 30
Burning For It
The world's
easiest table doubles as a workbench, a laundry counter, a project table
and, in a pinch, a spare bunk bed.
If you're
like me, you need more surface area. And I'm not talking about gaining a
few pounds.
What you
need is your very own utility table. It's cheap to build (roughly $50),
and it's a great beginner's project. The table measures 52" x 25", with
34" legs. I actually built three of these babies, because they're so
darn useful.
You can
fancy up your table with paint, stenciling or wood-burning, but it's
noble just as it is, naked. |
|
Materials:
- Cedar (see cut list below)
Approximately 30 each of:
- 2 - 1/2" zinc woodscrews
- Trim washers
- 1-1/2" zinc woodscrews
|
Tools
- Saw
- Clamps
- Measuring tape
- Square
- Drill
|
Cut List:
- Skirt: 1" x 6" cedar decking - two 46" boards, two 23" boards
- Blocking: 2" x 4" cedar - one 23" board
- Tabletop: 1" x 6" cedar - five 52" boards
- Legs: 2" x 4" cedar - four 34" boards
- Optional shelf: 1" x 6" cedar - three 46" boards
- Shelf supports: 2" x 4" cedar - two 23" boards
|
|
Steps:
Check the end of the board for squareness and splits |
Cut off any bad ends and then cut the boards to length |
A Japanese pull saw is the easiest to cut with |
Start by building the 'skirt', the rectangle on which the table
surface will eventually sit. |
|
Clamp the apron or skirt frame together |
Pre drill for screws at the corners |
Choose screws that are long enough to have at least half their
length in each pieces |
|
|
|
Clamp the boards in place (short boards on the inside!) At the
corners, pre-drill for the screws so that the boards don't split.
Fasten the corners together using zinc screws paired with trim
washers, which bite into the wood and add a huge amount of
structural strength to the corners. |
|
Use a trim washer to add strength and stability, plus they look
attractive |
Use at least two screws to attach each corner together |
|
|
Pre-drill with a counter sink bit and attach the top boards
|
Use a center brace to help support the table top |
|
Attach the decking to the frame, pre-drilling for the screws so
the boards don't split. 'Countersink' the screws so their heads
don't stick up and catch on things. If you don't have a fancy
countersink bit, simply use a large drill bit to make a shallow
dimple for the wedge-shaped head of a woodscrew. Install the 2" x
4" blocking (short side up, for strength) in the middle of the
rectangle. This board will support the surface decking so it doesn't
bounce later. |
|
Put the 2x4 legs in place and attach with staggered screws
|
Use both a square and a clamp to hold the leg while installing the
screws |
|
Attach the legs to the inside corners of the skirt, using zinc
screws and trim washers. Work with the project upside down, so the
skirt is down and the legs stick up in the air.
To make sure the legs are firmly attached, drive two screws into
the wide side of each leg, and one screw into the narrow edge.
Stagger the two screws on the wide side to prevent splitting the
legs. Use clamps and a square to keep the legs in place while
driving the screws. Once the legs are in place, eyeball them to make
sure they're plumb. If they're all leaning in different directions,
you can adjust them by releasing the tension on the screws and then
re-tightening them selectively until each leg is vertical. |
|
Install a horizontal support on the legs to hold a lower shelf
|
Attach the support with two staggered screws at each leg
|
Cut and attach three boards to the supports |
Now your table is done, unless you want to go for the optional
shelf, which is a great addition particularly if your table legs are
wonky or the unit doesn't feel stable enough.
To make the shelf, attach two horizontal 2" x 4" shelf supports
to the legs about 3" up from the bottom, and then screw cedar boards
to the supports, spacing them evenly. |
|
Decorate your table with woodburning |
If you can, get a high quality wood burning unit - it's worth it
|
Different wood burning tips add variety |
That's it. Your wonder table will go through thick and thin with
you, a sturdy companion, a tranquil offering of surface area in the
midst of life's turbulence. |
|
|
|