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After using a cheap plastic card table as my only table for nearly two years I decided it was time for a change. I had seen some large wooden tables that I liked and figured that I could make one myself. I also used reclaimed wood to make this table so it's a bit cooler looking (and environmentally friendly!).
The finished product is heavy, but not too bad. I'm using Douglas Fir which is a bit soft. Marks will show on the table, but to me that is okay. You may want to adjust your wood choice if you like something different.
The finished product is heavy, but not too bad. I'm using Douglas Fir which is a bit soft. Marks will show on the table, but to me that is okay. You may want to adjust your wood choice if you like something different.
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To make this table I used three pieces of reclaimed Douglas Fir. Each piece was 3"x10"x5'. I ended up buying five of them from M Fine Lumber in Brooklyn. They came from this 25' piece of wood that they were nice enough to cut into pieces for me.
As far as other consumables go you'll need some wood glue, tenons (or biscuits), and some table legs. I got some of these from Ikea. Here's the link to the legs.
I also used a hammer and vice grips to remove nails, a circular saw, a mortiser, a rubber mallet, sander, and a drill/screwdriver.
As far as other consumables go you'll need some wood glue, tenons (or biscuits), and some table legs. I got some of these from Ikea. Here's the link to the legs.
I also used a hammer and vice grips to remove nails, a circular saw, a mortiser, a rubber mallet, sander, and a drill/screwdriver.
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I was just wondering (as I have basically zero experience with woodwork) when you said:
"Next you're going to want to use your saw to make sure all the corners are at 90 degree angles. I used my circular saw, but a table saw would probably be better. Actually what would be great is a jointer. I don't have one of those though, so I'm making do with what I have."
What does this actually mean. Are you assuming the wooden planks are square to begin with, and just want to make the ends at 90 degrees, or did you make the whole plank square?
I can understand if my question is confusing, but you say you don't have a jointer, and I am wondering how you got your planks to look so perfect and fit together using a circular saw?
Thanks,
Paul
The wood was pretty close, but not quite square. The secret is the Festool plunge cut saw and guide. Their saw fits perfectly into a metal guide that I can line up with the edge of the wood (or any edge I want). It also has a protractor that fits to the guide to allow me to cut at any angle.
Frankly, a used table saw is probably cheaper and would do a better job, but space is at a premium where I've lived and I move a lot. This project was actually done two apartments ago! The Festool tools are small and pack up quite nicely.
If/when I move into a place that has a lot of space I will set up a woodshop with a tablesaw.
If you are using this Instructable to help with your desk, for this part just make sure the wood is cut nice so it fits together well. That's really all that is important. Good luck with your desk!
-Dave