Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
EASY step-by-steps FOR YOUR DINING/SIDE TABLE
Here’s how
STEP 1 Apply PVA to end of stile and butt into leg rail flush with 1 end. Secure through rail using 100mm batten screws. Repeat to attach second stile to other end of rail, and second rail to other ends of stiles. Note: Glue all joints in following steps before screwing. STEP 2 Using mitre saw, cut 1 end of leg brace at a 45° angle. Working from centre, cut off corners at other end at 45°. Position on inside top corner of leg frame. Screw through stile into brace using 50mm screws. Offset screw from centre of brace so it doesn’t break through timber. Screw through rail into brace using 75mm batten screws.
STEP 3 Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to create 3 more leg frames.
STEP 4 Sit leg frame on edge so inside stile is facing up. Clamp to bench to hold. Place hinge template on edge of stile 100mm from outside corner of frame. Use screw to mark timber with drilling points on template.
STEP 5 Using 13mm spade bit, drill holes in stile at each marked point to depth specified by hinge instructions.
STEP 6 Use sharp chisel to straighten edges of housing for hinge and smooth bottom.
STEP 7 Repeat Steps 4-6 to create housing for hinge at opposite end of stile and to create hinge housings in remaining leg frames. You’ll need a pair of leg frames with the housing near the right edge of the stile and a pair near the left. STEP 8 Sit an opposing pair of leg frames on their side so edges nearest to hinge housings meet. Clamp to bench. Place hinges in housings to check fit and that tops are flush with stiles. Shave bottom of housings or pack under hinges with cardboard as required. Predrill and screw hinges to stiles using supplied screws. Repeat to join second pair of leg frames. STEP 9 Sit leg assemblies upside down on blocks with a 1m gap between them. Place 1 cross rail between them so top edge of rail (which is facing down) is flush with top edge of leg frame and side face of rail is flush with inside edge. Screw through leg frame into cross rail using 100mm screws. STEP 10 Place second cross rail between leg frames towards opposite end. Make bottom edge of rail (which is facing up) flush with end of stile and side face flush with inside edge. Screw through
leg frame into cross rail using 100mm screws.
STEP 11 Cut ends of table brace on a 45° angle so direction of angle goes in opposite direction through timber. Place brace on edge between top cross rail and leg frame. Secure though cross rail and leg frame using 50mm screws. Repeat to attach other table brace.
STEP 12 To cut tabletops to length, align panels on blocks then clamp spirit level to panels to act as a guide for circular saw, making sure blade is on the cutting line.
STEP 13 Repeat technique used in Steps 4-6 to create hinge housings on 1 long edge of each tabletop. Align hinge template with edge near top faces of panels. Place hinges 105mm from each end and in the centre of panels. Fit hinges in housings and secure in place with supplied screws. STEP 14 With tabletops folded together, sit leg assembly on top so face of cross rail is flush with hinged edge of tabletops. Screw through cross rail and table braces with 50mm screws to secure legs to tabletops. STEP 15 Lightly sand using 240-grit sandpaper. Remove dust, apply Proofseal to entire unit. Follow with 3 coats clear varnish. Allow to dry and lightly sand between coats for a smooth finish. Wax tabletops following product instructions.