Cheap Walnut Mini Table

I had a walnut cookie laying around and didn’t know what to do with it. I had some ideas but never started anything until I saw this concept. I actually had two cookies but I like the one with what I call a “narble.” Just like one of my maker hero’s Laura Kampf says, “Every defect gets respect.”

My idea is to modify each paper towel holder into three legs and attach them. That’s basically it. Getting the concept into action was actually a bit difficult...

I took the leg rings off by bolt cutter & angle grinder (Safely, of course). You don’t want hot metal in the eye!

I did a quick and dirty job here but that’s only because I knew the leg cut-offs would not be showing. You could go the extra mile but that is up to you with your timing/planning.

Once I had my three legs I was ready to attach them and that is where the hard part began.

The video explains it better if you’re a visual person.

Otherwise, draw your circle on the slab (pic 1). I used the largest cut-off ring from the paper towel holder to make mine but anything round you can utilize will work. That’s the easy part. Next, we have to find three equal segments so you don’t have a wonky table. I first made a mark down the middle of the circle, effectively the diameter (pic 2). Then, I used my compass with a pencil attached.

The “top” of your diameter line is the 1st point. Adjust your compass until it traces your circle completely. It doesn’t have to be 100% correct in tracking your circle unless you want it to be. It just needs to be close. Now take the point and stick it on the bottom point of your circle where it intersects your diameter line you just drew. With the pencil end, make an intersection mark on your circle. This is your 2nd point (pic 3). Do the same type of intersection on the other part of the circle for the 3rd point (pic 4).

Note you can verify the parts are equal by setting the point of your compass on your 2nd mark and seeing if it intersects your 3rd mark (see pic 5 for all three marks). It should.

Now that you have the location for your three legs, you can attach them. I cut a recess for the legs to sit in (remember I gouged them up earlier). Afterwards I drilled holes for screws to secure the legs down. This makes them swivel which I think is nice in case the wood warps or twists over time.

How you wrap up your project is up to you. You could seal it, paint it, epoxy it, etc. Whatever you choose, I hope you find some inspiration in this little project.