Pallet Wood Table With Hidden Cooler

This side table is built like a tank and is designed to be outside. Its made by layering and twisting pallet wood. A section of the center has been routed out to accommodate a cooler in the center. To add a bit of whimsy a flock of origami birds are stenciled on the top.

Dimensions: Each layer was 16" x 16". The total height with the top was a little over 20 inches.

Quick Build Notes:

• Each layer was twisted 3/4 of an inch and glued and screwed in place
• Build up a couple of layers then start with the hole for the cooler
• Give yourself some space for the cooler. Cut the hole so its 1/2" bigger than the diameter of the cooler
• For the last cooler layer
  • make it the same diameter as the cooler
  • cut inside the scribed circle
  • file to the circle mark until the cooler just fits in there
• Use expanding foam to hold the cooler inside the hole. Just make sure you remember it EXPANDS A LOT
• When you install the hinges for the top make sure the screws will not go through the wood. I had to cut some of the screws down so they wouldn't blow through the other side.
• I used the following designs to make the stencils
  

  http://www.freepik.com/free-vector/origami-birds-b...

• Use tape to help place where the birds will be. I used different size tape to symbolize the different sizes of the birds
• I used acrylic paint and a shoe shine brush but next time I'm going to use spray paint
• I sanded the first layer with 220 grit sandpaper to fade them a little to give it depth.
• If your lines aren't as crisp as you like then use a knife to scratch away the paint a little
• Several coats of polyurethane were used to help make it weather resistant. Spar Var is a good choice for outdoor use also.
• Use cool packs and not ice since there is no drain for the 1 gallon cooler (originally designed for cold water)

Now when you run out of a drink you don't have to get up as often. Another bonus is this thing is so heavy its not going anywhere :) (unintended bonus feature)