Introduction: Alexa Coffee Table
The Alexa Coffee Table is a simple coffee table that integrates the Amazon Alexa. This doesn't require many tools to build and if you have the basic knowledge of power tools you will be able to build this. Have fun!
Step 1: Tools Needed
All the tools you need to make this, although if you use everything on the list then it will be easier. Wear rubber gloves when working with the stain, polyurethane, and mineral spirits. This project assumes that you have used power tools before, although you can complete the project by hand sanding and using a Phillips screwdriver, instead of a power sander and power drill.
Step 2: Sand, Stain, and Coat
After obtaining all materials, place the sheet of wood on the sawhorses, prepare the wood by sanding all surfaces with 380 grit sandpaper (wipe off with clean cloth and mineral spirits) and using a wood stain of your choice, applying as many coats as desired, and allowing it to dry for 2 hours in between each coat.
Step 3: Polyurethane...Make It Shiny
After staining, sand each piece once more with 200 grit sandpaper (then wipe off with clean cloth and mineral spirits) before coating each one with the polyurethane. Allow the polyurethane to dry for 24 hours before repeating the process twice more - sanding and coating in polyurethane a total of 3 times or more if you want it super shiny.
Step 4: Mark the Area
Pick which side you want to use for the bottom and that’s where you’ll mark the area for the legs. Mark the area so that you can route the LED light strip around the bottom of the table, avoiding areas where the legs will be attached. An easy way to do this is to just go ahead and attach the legs, draw around them, then un-attach them and you’ll have a perfect area marked.
Step 5: Light the Way
For the LED light strip, mark the bottom of the table with a marker/pencil Start from the middle, between the left leg and outer left edge. This will go up and around where the legs are and back down between the right leg and outer right edge.
Step 6: Make a Hole
Find the center of the table and mark it with a dot. This dot will be where you use the 48mm saw hole cutter bit to drill out a circle for the Amazon Alexa.
Step 7: Mark the Holes for the Alexa Holder
With all the area’s marked, drill out the center hole. Then take the Alexa holder and discard the plastic locking outer ring. There will be 3 metal rods protruding from it. Place the holder over top the hole and mark where the rods meet the wood.
Step 8: Drill 3 Holes
Using your 15/64 inch drill bit, drill those holes down ¼ inch. This will allow you to slide the rods into the wood and hold the holder in place.
Step 9: Glue Down the LED Strip
Taking your epoxy/glue, lay down a line of epoxy on the line made for the LED Strip. Follow this with the LED strip and make sure you secure the LED strip with tape so that it lays flat and bonds with the wood. This takes 10-15 minutes. Test the lights.
Step 10: Attach the Power Strip
Take your power strip and place it in the center, vertically, between where the legs will be. Screw it down with 2 wood screws.
Step 11: Set Up the Philips Hue Bridge
Set up the Philips Hue Bridge following the instructions that come with it.
Step 12: Set Up the Alexa
With the holder in place and LED strip glued down, flip the tabletop over to where the top side is facing you. Turn on power strip. Insert the Amazon Alexa into the center hole and using its USB charger plug it into power strip. Download the Amazon Alexa app and follow the directions on the app to configure the Alexa. The app will allow you to connect to the Philips hue LED strip.
Step 13: Cover the Alexa Hole
Once the Alexa is activated take the 4inch metal cover and place it centered over the hole. Screw it down with 2 of the ⅜ wood screws.
Step 14: Attach Legs
Place the legs on and make sure the holes correspond to the earlier marks that were made. Screw in with (12) ⅜ wood screws.
