Scrap Table

Step 4 Finishin'

Plane down the table top with an old-fashioned hand plane to smooth out the ridges.  Add cap pieces on the long sides with countersink hole drilled in them to accept the nit and washer on the threaded rods.  We picked pieces with paint or other interesting things to give the edges some visual interest.  Glue and screw them; we also used the truck ratchet straps to clamp them.

Set up a fence with clamps and a bar of wood to run a circular saw against and trim off the ends.  You can see we cut through a screw or two; try to avoid this.  Sand down with a belt sander, starting with an aggressive 80 grit or so to take down any more really high spots.  Move to 100, then 120 grit.

We filled all other imperfections with regular vinyl wall spackle.  The white was a nice contrast.  You could use wood putty, or just let them be.  Sand out the spackle with 100 and 120 again, them slap a couple coats of polyurethane on and you're done.  A coat of furniture wax isn't a bad idea, especially if it's going to receive heavy use. 

Comments

[maureenm]

great instructable, and I love the recycling nature of this. thx

[denverintranslation]

High Life! Yes!

[dave247365]

LOVE IT thank you, i hope to make one myself based our this article. thanks again!

[jnjlegare]

that would make a nice counter top

[topkun]

Great idea. I love it. May i make in Thailand.

[rapidprototyping]

you could build house out glue lame beams put your table in it.

[pwregan]

 Beautiful....  I think, depending on one's taste and decor, you wouldn't need to trim of the uneven ends.  While this might add some difficulty in the finishing process, it would accentuate the use of "scrap" materials.  

[paintphone]

This is a really good use of scrap material something that i like to see as i am a furniture designer. Great job on the table and nice use of materials. Carrage bolts are amazing, it would even be neat to use brass

[MrOctober67]

Wow this is amazing. What kinds of wood did you use? Looks like a mixture of oak, plyboard, and a fir.

Im gonna do this, do it a little differently. I like the ratchet straps would have never thought of it. i used C-clamps and other various clamping mechanisms and it came out warped. Who knew?

great job love it

[jamesona]

Solid oak doors make awesome tables; particularly ones that are weathered or antique, to pull out the grain and add character. My grandpa has one in particular, that has solid iron bands riveted to it on each end (leftover from original reinforcements/hinge brackets) that add a sense of almost medieval ruggedness, as well as nice contrast.

[PondPlantGirl]

I had a similar idea of building wood tables out of old wood from fences and broken down barns.  You've inspired me!  Thanks!

[lampajoo]

The different types of wood will expand and contract at different rates.  It probably won't be a problem since it's coated in polyurethane and the widths are small, but I'd would be good to see how this thing holds up after a few years.  If you left the glue out this wouldn't be an issue at all.

It is a great design-- making necessity seem to be a choice.

[swright81076]

 I like the simple, cheap and uncomplicated way that this magnificent table is constructed.  This is truly a unique piece of furniture.... I would go as far as to say that the table top is a beautiful work of art.... I am inspired !!

[yushyush]

Wonderful... gonna make it for my outdoor!!!