Colapsable Table?

Question

I want to construct a collapsible table out of wood. i intend to use hinges to allow the table's legs to fold on to the table base, any help, like what type of hinges, or what type of wood would be appreciated.

Answer 1

You can get card table hardware at www.rockler.com you can use 3/4" plywood for the table top and you can use 1x2's for the table skirt and 2x2's for legs. How fancy you get will depend on equipment you have such as making taper legs on the table saw. Router for rounding over the edges. You can paint or stain it.

Answer 2

The easiest way to make a folding table is to use 3/4" A-C plywood.This is plywood that has one side that is smooth sanded and has no voids or defects .You can also use 3/4" plywood that has a hardwood veneer on one side such as oak,maple,poplar etc. Rather than having 4 legs, just use plywood on opposite sides.These can be cut with a jig saw to give a fancier look.Use your imagination.You can even make cutouts if you feel ambitious.You will need a piece of wood to keep the two opposing legs from folding up when you are using it.
Use 2 strap hinges for each leg to attatch under the table top.For the cross piece to support the legs when unfolded you will need at least one "loose pin hinge".This is a hinge that the pin can be removed so the legs can be folded up.Whether you use one or two loose pin hinges is up to you,for this crosspiece.Place it in the center of the legs,and at a height that you will not bang you knees on when you sit down.
To make the legs fold up neatly and not interfere with each other,it can be a good idea to mount one leg on a strip of the plywood mounted under one edge of the table top,just make that leg 3/4" shorter than the other leg so that the legs fold on top of each other.Make sure the strip is wide enough to attatch the hinges to it.If you do not use this strip as a spacer, the legs will not fold flat,and one will always be sticking up at an angle because it catches the edge of the other leg.
The best part is when you stain the wood and that beautiful grain comes out.There are many very good polyurethane stains on the market.Just use an old piece of a teashirt or other cloth that has no lint,and rub the stain into the surface,always rubbing in the direction of the grain of the wood.Make sure you have enough stain to do each surface in one application.If you just do part of the top and then try to finish it later, the color will probably not blend and match very well.Tables do not need to be square or rectangular.A six sided table can add distinction to your project. Have fun and don't be afraid to experiment!Just remember to measure twice and cut once!

Answer 3

I just saw one at a thrift shop the other day. It was great. I would say maple or oak would be best, but even pine would do. Any kind of hinges as long as they're large enough to support the weight. Also, I suggest using additional wood to brace the legs together at the bottom--for putting it away, you wouldn't want the legs to start bending outward from humidity or anything.

Answer 4

Wow, I just saw a cool one to make in a library book today. The table top is strips of wood that roll up when not in use and the legs and frame collapse. You might want to check your library.

Here are some free table plans:
http://www.freeww.com/tables.html

Answer 5

complicated thing. search onto search engines like google. that will might help!