Toploader VHS Table

After schlepping my VHS tapes collection for about 15 years, I realized those movies are NEVER going to see the light of day or a screen, for that matter. . I didn't have the heart to throw away all those memories - Bruce Lee's Big Boss, Rob Reiner's The Sure Thing and a lot of MTV's 120 minutes and alternative nation.

I wanted to reuse the tapes and not dump them. So, I decided to turn the tapes into a table.
Only thing I had to get was a piece of wood (56X41.5 cm), and some strong glue.

First I glued the tapes to the wood plate, creating a pattern (Only later I realized I foolishly didn't rewind),
and then I attached the legs.

After this Beta (pun intended) The next step is building a TV, DVD and stereo cabinet from tapes.

9 comments	Add Comment

Nov 1, 2011. 7:29 PMjelliot1 says:

I've spent so much time looking for anyone who has VHS tapes of 120 Minutes, and here they are, beyond my reach.

I don't have a word for the mixture of sorrow, regret, and yearning I have at this moment. Maybe the Germans have a word for it.

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Aug 22, 2011. 5:40 AMsfry1 says:

Thanks this is fab I was just on the way to the bin with mine now off to make a table:) thanks for sharing this.

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May 24, 2010. 9:08 PMHappyHen says:

Hello. I love it. What did you use to get the labels off? GooGone? Also, what kind of glue did you use? Thanks for sharing your great idea.

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Dec 26, 2010. 12:44 PMbluesblood says:

I don't know what they used, but WD-40 will soak through and loosen any paper sticker. Just put a bit on and let it soak in, pull the sticker off and wipe clean.

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Apr 4, 2010. 8:09 AMTreknology says:

With 3000 tapes to rescue (much of my collection will never see light of day anywhere else--so it all has to go to disc), I think it would be very ironic to build DVD shelves from VHS tapes.

And who care whether they were rewound? It adds a randomity factor.

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Jan 20, 2010. 10:58 AM

porcupinemamma says:

this is so groovy baby! :0)

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May 17, 2009. 5:41 AM

greensteam says:

Great idea
Like thelandlord, I too have loads, not even mine but dumped in the hall when the people upstairs moved on. This is a great idea, particularly if you combined some of the table top ones with some of the other lighting up ideas on Instructables, such as Lemonie's clock http://www.instructables.com/id/VHS_Cassette_Clock/

How strong are the legs? Did you use anything to make them rigid other than glueing them together, I was thinking they could be a wee bit wobbly??

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May 17, 2009. 6:39 AMBilletHQ (author) says:

Well I wouldn't put a TV on the table. It's perfect as a coffee table or a bedside table.The legs are pretty steady, but if you intend it to be used to hold something heavy, be sure add something stronger.

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May 16, 2009. 3:40 PMthelandlord says:

I've got an imperial shitload of VHS tapes stored up, and, like yours, they're never going to see a screen again... that's a fine idea you've had and I'm tempted to have a go myself. I've probably got enough to make a snooker table - all I need now is a bigger house to put it in! :-)

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