Folding Table

I uploaded this video on YouTube on how to make this Cedar folding table. Here's some more detailed instructions if you would like to build it. It's a pretty easy project, and can be done in a weekend. I chose Cedar for this project, it's a great outdoor wood that holds up well.

I had to resaw the boards I used in the video, but if you use 1/2" lumber it will speed up the build a lot.

You will need,

7' 3" x 3 1/2" x 1/2 lumber for the top, and bottom supports.

11' 10" x 1 5/8" x 1/2" lumber for the legs, and table pot supports.

12" of 3/8" dowel,

7 1/4" of 1" dowel

24 #6 1" screws

The four top pieces are,

15 1/4" x 3 1/2" x 1/2"

Two bottom supports are,

13" x 3 1/3" x 1/2"

Four legs are,

20 1/2" x 1 5/8" x 1/2"

Supports under the top are,

14" x 1 5/8" x 1/2"

Eight pieces of 3/8" dowel

4 at 1 1/8"

2 at 3/4"

2 at 2"

One piece of 1" dowel

7 1/4"

Sand all the pieces to the same thickness.

A surface sander makes this very easy, but not necessary

Using a drill press will make this much easier, and more accurate.

All the 1 5/8" x 1/2" support pieces need a 3/8" drilled 7/8" from one end. The 20 1/2" pieces also need a 7/8" hole drilled 9 1/2" form the opposite end. Two of the 14" x 1 /58" supports also need a hole drilled on the edge, this is the 1/2" side. find center-7" and drill a 5/8" these will be the stops for the top of the table.

I used a bottle cap to mark the corners, this can be done with a compass as well. Mark all the corners on the 1 /58" pieces, and the 13" x 3 1/2". Only two of the 15 1/4" x 3 1/2" pieces have the corners rounded, on one edge. I used a spindle sander, this works well for rounding the corners.

Glue in the 3/4" dowels into the 14" piece you drilled a 5/8 hole on the edge. The 2" dowels, are glued into the 20 1/2" pieces. Glue the 1 1/8" into 14" supports. (Not the ones with the 3/4" dowels) Let the glue dry before assembly. The 20 1/2" legs go on the outside of the 14" supports with the 3/4" stop dowels. The 14" supports go on the outside of the other 20 1/12" leg. The last two 1 1/8" dowels, are glued in to the 20 1/2" piece for the cross brace, glue them on the outside leg.

Find center on the dowel, I used a center finder to do this. Drill a 5/8" hole in each end, about 1" deep. Install the dowel/handle into the 2" 5/8" dowels, don't glue them in.

Put your finish on the legs before assembling the top.

I used #6 1" screws

Square the two top pieces up. I used a 1/8" spacer between the dowels, and two pieces. Use a tape measure to measure the overhang on each side. Pre drill for the screws, I used a square to lineup with the supports. Screw the 15 1/4" pieces to the inside support with the dowel stops. The lower support is screwed to the inside leg 1 1/5" down from the top piece.

Flip the table over, and repeat this process. The only deference is you screw the pieces to the outside supports, and outside legs.

Slow motion table opening,and closing

Apply a finish to all the remaining pieces, and let dry.