How to Make a DIY Crank Table for Garden or Indoor - Can Turn From Coffee Table to Dining Table (using Decking and Jacton Hand Crank).

I have always loved hand crank tables but they are either really expensive or not the right size. So instead I decided to make my own with an imported crank, timber and decking. With the right equipment the project takes a few hours only and allows for a very versatile table that can be used as a coffee table or as a dining table. It is designed to sit 6 (3 on each side) but could do eight if you have a person at each end.

The dimensions are:

Width: 75cm

Length: 186cm

Min Height: 52cm

Max height: 82cm

The difficult part was sourcing the crank. The carpentry is pretty straight forward.

Tools and Supplies needed:

• 4 x Decking Timber (45mm x 66mm x 2000mm)
• 6 x Decking boards (26mm x 117mm x 3000mm)
• Decking screws
• Nylock bolts and nuts

Tools:

• Hand saw or chop saw
• Wrench set
• Tape measure
• Drill and drill bits
• Router for edging (optional)

The key thing for the project, is that you need to purchase the crank mechanic, axle, and hand turning wheels and coupling connections.

I ordered the ones Here from Jacton Industry Co in Guandong, China. These come as a pair with all of the correct connections and can lift 2.5 tonnes. The cost when ordered was a couple of hundred dollars at the time but note that the shipping from China was about the same cost (they organise this for you via FEDEX). There may be local suppliers near to you but I could not find one near me and therefore paid the shipping.

I have to say the service from Jacton was excellent with brilliant comms the whole way and the products are really well packaged. Exact dimensions are included in the PDF for info and their contact details are on the website.

They have a youtube of the product here.

(Note - you use Grease 2 on these when you need additional lubricant.) See my watch outs at the bottom.

Step two is to create a frame that holds the crank mechanic securely, but also allows enough height for the table to be at dining height or at coffee table height.

Start by cutting two lengths of timber that are 141.5cm in length (we used outdoor decking timber with a width of 6.6cm and a depth of 4.5cm).

Then drill holes that are 12mm in diameter and attach the two crank mechanics (1 cm from the end of the wood). See image. I used bolts (12mm diameter and 8.5cm in length) with nylock nuts

Then create four legs that provide the crank enough height to work properly. To do this cut four pieces of the the same timber used before at a length of 31cm and attach these using a simple rabbet joint. 

Finally add a strip of wood at the base for stability. I cut this at 68cm long with a 45 degree angle to avoid tripping over it. This is attached with decking screws.

Use decking (we used thermo treated pine), which was 26mm x 117mm x 3000mm.

Cut two decking lengths of 75cm in length and drill four holes (12mm) that align with the top of the crank mechanic. Note the bolts need to be countersunk so they do not interfere with the table top being attached.

For this step, you will need 5 pieces of decking. We chose a length of 186cm in length for the longest section, because it would sit three people each side with a final table width of 75cm.

You also need decking spacers (see picture attached) for even distribution.

We chose to angle the ends in an octagonal shape (135 degrees inner angle) because this is the shape of our balcony. You can chose to do this with a simple rectangle of course if you prefer to maximise the space.

These should then be screwed to the cross beam that you attached in Step 3 with decking screws. We used two per beam at each end. See the photo attached.

Note - I added additional wooden supports in a z shape underneath for added strength at this point. See picture.

I also cut a hole for an umbrella pole.

Optional - I chose to mitre the edges with a small hand mitre. I like the finish but it is not needed.

I was a bit foolish during the first season and did not cover the cranks or handles in grease. As such I saw spots of rust appear. From then I regularly use Grease (Grease 2) on the exposed metal and handles, I also use a table cover when not in use and remove the handles in the winter and store them indoors. It has since been fine with no additional spots of rust.

It is up to you then whether to use the cranks inside or accept a degree of risk that you may get spots of rust if used outside (certainly if not covered in grease). Good luck.