Introduction: Small Folding Table [UPDATED]
Although this is not an original project I assume there is some reader which doesn't know this great table design.
I made a small table/large stool, but of course you can modify the project to obtain a real table.
I made a small table/large stool, but of course you can modify the project to obtain a real table.
Step 1: Design and Material
I drew the side views of the table in a small scale so to determine proportions and size.
In the image I modeled in 3D for this instructable you can see proportions and some dimensions, although they're not exactly the ones I used, but you can keep same proportions and change size.
Measure the boards, cut them and make holes at the right height.
Step 2: Boards Position
To choose the right position for the platform boards the best way is to place everything on a flat table, centre each piece and glue all pieces with right coupling.
Use some spacers where you will place some washers between rods.
Use some spacers where you will place some washers between rods.
Step 3: Dowels
To reinforce the table we will insert wood dowels on every connection we already had glued.
In my other projects I tried to hide dowels inside the boards and rods but in this case I suppose they will be nice, and undoubtedly this way is much more fast and simple.
Just drill holes of the right size (8mm diameter and 3-4cm length in my case) on the axis of the rods from above the boards.
You can wait to insert dowels and glue until every board is in place.
In my other projects I tried to hide dowels inside the boards and rods but in this case I suppose they will be nice, and undoubtedly this way is much more fast and simple.
Just drill holes of the right size (8mm diameter and 3-4cm length in my case) on the axis of the rods from above the boards.
You can wait to insert dowels and glue until every board is in place.
Step 4: Cut Feet and Insert Nuts
Now you have to proceed with some details. Drill not too deep holes where to insert nuts. Then cut the feet in diagonal with the right angle. The best way to determine the angle is to place assembled table on a surface and use a goniometer.
Step 5: Last Boards
I decided to place the lower boards directly against the floor. This way makes the table much more stable.
So you have to pay attention that the lower edge of the boards makes contact with the floor surface before gluing them.
Use clamps to keep everything compressed until glue is dried.
So you have to pay attention that the lower edge of the boards makes contact with the floor surface before gluing them.
Use clamps to keep everything compressed until glue is dried.
Step 6: Glue Dowels
Time to drip glue into the holes, insert the dowels, and cut with a Japanese saw the protruding pieces.
Step 7: Assembling
Assembling the pieces is very simple,. I used a pair of long nuts for the inside connections, so to insert a bamboo cylinder to act as an handle to transport the piece of furniture.
To avoid the bolts to unscrew you can add cyanoacrylic glue or some special product.
To avoid the bolts to unscrew you can add cyanoacrylic glue or some special product.
Step 8: Finishing
Complete your work with some finishing painting. I added shellac and wax, to obtain a nice appearance.
Step 9: Test and Enjoy
The table/stood is ready! You can test it or ask friends to do that ;-)
Step 10: Improved Handle
I added a rope around the handle to improve grip and appearance. just place a layer of glue on the cylinder surface and wrap it with the rope.