So, anyone built their own coffee/end tables?

johnnyb

johnnyb

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Can’t find anything I like for a decent price, I’d like to have solid wood that will last. I have minimal wood working tools, just the basics like drill, circular saw, jig saw and router. Guess the first step if I decide to do this would be sourcing the wood.
 
You can make a nice coffee table with a slab of hardwood and legs sourced online. Finishing it is not hard, but it is tedious. Good result though! I bought this slab of black walnut on eBay for something like $35, but some local lumber yards and sawmills can supply a slab. Much (much!) sanding with a large sanding block; many (many!) coats of oil finish.
Table.JPG
 
johnnyb said:
Can’t find anything I like for a decent price, I’d like to have solid wood that will last. I have minimal wood working tools, just the basics like drill, circular saw, jig saw and router. Guess the first step if I decide to do this would be sourcing the wood.
Click to expand...

The first step is to come up with a design or plan. From that you can determine wood requirements.
 
If you can borrow or buy a decent table saw you have most of what you need. Good drill and a KREG kit will allow quite a bit.
 
Red Marley said:
You can make a nice coffee table with a slab of hardwood and legs sourced online. Finishing it is not hard, but it is tedious. Good result though! I bought this slab of black walnut on eBay for something like $35, but some local lumber yards and sawmills can supply a slab. Much (much!) sanding with a large sanding block; many (many!) coats of oil finish.
View attachment 287136
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That’s gorgeous! I’d love to do something like that for the end tables, maybe with matching (wood) legs. Then something similar with a shelf a few inches from the floor for a coffee table. Yeah that’s one of my questions, I live in Horry County (near Myrtle and Battery Oaks Billy) and am in the Charlotte area close to monthly. Does anybody know where I can source the solid wood planks, I’m not a fan of Lowes/HD and the local builder supply houses don’t carry anything much nicer than cabinet grade plywood. I’d rather have solid slabs for this I think.
Scsmith42 said:
The first step is to come up with a design or plan. From that you can determine wood requirements.
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Yeah I’m still looking at designs
 
Im in the process, but not using a single slab of solid wood
 
Buy a Kreg. Then look for plans. Kreg’s website has some. Anna White has some good ones. I’ve made a bookshelf and some Adirondacks from her plans.

Building, to me, is the easy part. Finishing is where the talent is. Much patience required.

https://www.ana-white.com/

Projects & Plans | Kreg Tool

learn.kregtool.com learn.kregtool.com
 
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BigWaylon said:
Does taking three cable spools from work home and painting them count? If so...yes. :D
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I work for a communication company...had many cable reel tables and chairs outside year ago! Everything from chair sized from 75-500 coax to 8ft that 2100 was on!
 
johnnyb said:
I work for a communication company...had many cable reel tables and chairs outside year ago! Everything from chair sized from 75-500 coax to 8ft that 2100 was on!
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After seeing this pic, I’m considering trying to find one more that’s tall enough and the right diameter.

D7028037-6185-456B-BA70-C5EC36DAA473.jpeg
 
BigWaylon said:
After seeing this pic, I’m considering trying to find one more that’s tall enough and the right diameter.

View attachment 287255
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Wish you were closer 🤣

Seriously if you were in my area, I could possibly hook you up. I’d have to find out our policy’s on that, it’s been over 15 years since I was on the construction/field side.
 

Welcome to Kreg Tool

Innovative Solutions for all of your Woodworking and DIY Project Needs
www.kregtool.com www.kregtool.com

Browse this website for ideas. You will NOT need most of the cool items they sell but you will cypher quickly how much easier and attractive jointery can be done.

Kreg Jig and k4 I would call minimal for real success!
 
The $ is worth

Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig® K4 Master System

The do-it-yourself Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig with bonus accessories The Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig K4 Master System is a great choice for any woodworking enthusiast looking for a complete set to get started building with Kreg Joinery™. With its solid clamp, large clamping recess, dust collection...
www.kregtool.com www.kregtool.com
For versatility!
 
Ben Jefferson said:

Welcome to Kreg Tool

Innovative Solutions for all of your Woodworking and DIY Project Needs
www.kregtool.com www.kregtool.com

Browse this website for ideas. You will NOT need most of the cool items they sell but you will cypher quickly how much easier and attractive jointery can be done.

Kreg Jig and k4 I would call minimal for real success!
Click to expand...
Ok, looks like a K4 is a Kreg Jig right?
 
9outof10mms said:
This one: https://www.amazon.com/KREG-KPHJ320-Kreg-Pocket-Hole-Jig/dp/B086MNGF3J/

Get it with the clamp. Makes life much easier.

The Kreg is like magic. It makes you capable of making things that look really good...above your skill level.
Click to expand...

Ben Jefferson said:
The $ is worth

Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig® K4 Master System

The do-it-yourself Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig with bonus accessories The Kreg Pocket-Hole Jig K4 Master System is a great choice for any woodworking enthusiast looking for a complete set to get started building with Kreg Joinery™. With its solid clamp, large clamping recess, dust collection...
www.kregtool.com www.kregtool.com
For versatility!
Click to expand...
Do I need both? If so why the k4 vs the k5? The $ difference is minimal with them being on sale
 
johnnyb said:
Do I need both? If so why the k4 vs the k5? The $ difference is minimal with them being on sale
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If you're like most of us here, you aren't doing this type of work every day or even every weekend. The kit I linked to on Amazon is a fantastic starter kit that will do 90% of what you would even try to get yourself into. If/when you get more serious, the fancier jigs/kits will offer more options to make the work easier and more productive.

In other words, the smaller kit will be just fine for you.
 
I am familiar with the K4 for furniture building. Check the uses, others experiences with the K5.

They also make another clamp with a flat end and a point to go in drilled holes for larger panel assembly that is killer!
 
Thanks guys! Any input on sourcing the plank? At least the top I’d like to be a solid plank, as I will likely stain/ oil it
 
Not local for me, but check WoodCraft web site. I am sure there are some great local sources for live-edge lumber. Read/Talk to some experienced folks about finishing. Blotchiness, streaks and uneven applications will result in HUGE disappointment and fiscal damage. The purchase of a few books would be $ well spent!
 
johnnyb said:
Thanks guys! Any input on sourcing the plank? At least the top I’d like to be a solid plank, as I will likely stain/ oil it
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That's the beauty of the Kreg (or at least one of the beauties): you can slap multiple pieces together with a few pocket screws and a little bit of glue and not be able to tell--or at least not see/feel a seam. So if you can't find a large enough piece of lumber, no problem.
 
johnnyb said:
Thanks guys! Any input on sourcing the plank? At least the top I’d like to be a solid plank, as I will likely stain/ oil it
Click to expand...
Check Craigslist. Our local one has several folks selling live edge slabs. Seems like there is one over in Clover, SC, but have no idea if that is close to you.
 
beamernc said:
Check Craigslist. Our local one has several folks selling live edge slabs. Seems like there is one over in Clover, SC, but have no idea if that is close to you.
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Clover is next to Charlotte, not near me but I’m up there about once a month
 
@johnnyb go get a copy of the current "Backwoodsman " magazine, there is an article that may help you.
He used a log round and put 3 legs on it, but you may get ideas from it.
 
Ok, let me know what y’all think about this.
This for the end table

Rustic X End Table | Ana White

www.ana-white.com www.ana-white.com

Then upsize it to maybe 40x40 and enclose it between the bottom shelf and the top, keeping the x accents on two or all 4 sides, make the top swing up and away (basically stay level as it lifts up and partially offset) so that the interior storage created by enclosing it can be accessed without having to clean whatever decor the wife puts on it every time you need to get into it.
 
That is VERY doable for a first project. Pretty straightforward jointery, very, tons of finish and hardware options.

IF you take your time and truly challenge yourself to make quality joints and cuts you will learn more than you could believe about woodworking.

Good luck!

It's not as easy as many think. Start with the most hidden piece of the set.
 
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They have comprehensive plans on that site, for the end table, figured I’d just scale them up for the coffee table. Thinking my biggest hurdle will be designing the “hinge” lift portion. As I want it to lift up and to the back simultaneously, till it’s partially offset so that I can access the interior.
 
The good thing about those plans is you’re not too deep in cost if you mess something up. So jump in head first and try it out!

I’m no woodworker. I can run a saw, measure twice, pre-drill, etc. and I’ve been able to successfully build three pieces from Ana’s plans. All of which the wife let me keep in the house.
 
That looks like a good project for someone just starting their woodworking journey.

about all that you would need is a miter saw (sliding compound saw best) and a good jigsaw.
 
johnnyb said:
Ok, let me know what y’all think about this.
This for the end table

Rustic X End Table | Ana White

www.ana-white.com www.ana-white.com

Then upsize it to maybe 40x40 and enclose it between the bottom shelf and the top, keeping the x accents on two or all 4 sides, make the top swing up and away (basically stay level as it lifts up and partially offset) so that the interior storage created by enclosing it can be accessed without having to clean whatever decor the wife puts on it every time you need to get into it.
Click to expand...
I like that table too. May have to add that to the “nice to have” project list to replace our store bought coffee table.

I like your idea to enclose the sides and make a hinged/lift top. I’ve seen those type of hinges but have no idea what they’re called.
As someone else said, the project isn’t very difficult but it will take much more time than you might think. It’ll be worth it in the end though. Keep us posted on the build!
 
Check out rockler for your offset lift hardware. Plans look good and are very reasonable to start off.
 
slow is slow said:
Check out rockler for your offset lift hardware. Plans look good and are very reasonable to start off.
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Checked them out and the only thing they have that will do what I have in mind is $160 plus shipping lol.

LIPOVOLT Cabinet Door Hinges Vertical Swing Lift Up Stay Pneumatic Arm Kitchen Mechanism Hinges - - Amazon.com

LIPOVOLT Cabinet Door Hinges Vertical Swing Lift Up Stay Pneumatic Arm Kitchen Mechanism Hinges - - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com




What do y’all think about this? Again my goal is to be able to lift and offset the top while keeping it level.
 
Consider the long term savings and satisfaction!

If that does what you need, buy the hardware.
 
The Amazon one may work, but keep in mind, it's designed to be vertical, so it's built for stress in that direction. It may not hold your top deepening on weight because it's not built for stress in that manner.
 
slow is slow said:
The Amazon one may work, but keep in mind, it's designed to be vertical, so it's built for stress in that direction. It may not hold your top deepening on weight because it's not built for stress in that manner.
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Yeah all of them I have found are designed for vertical use...
 
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