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Step-by-Step Project for Creating a Simple Coffee Table


Required Materials

  • Wood:
    • 1 wooden board (pine or MDF) 2 meters long, 60 cm wide, and 2 cm thick for the tabletop.
    • 1 wooden board (pine or MDF) 2 meters long, 30 cm wide, and 2 cm thick for the legs and shelf.
  • Screws: 24 screws, 4 cm long.
  • Wood glue.
  • Sandpaper (grit 120 and 220).
  • Paint or varnish for finishing (optional).

Required Tools

  • Saw (jigsaw or circular saw).
  • Drill/driver.
  • Wood drill bit.
  • Screwdriver or bit for the drill.
  • Square.
  • Measuring tape.
  • Pencil for marking.
  • Wood clamps.

Wood Cutting and Measurements

For this project, the coffee table will consist of a tabletop, four legs, a shelf, and two side supports.

Piece Measurements

  1. Tabletop:

    • 1 piece measuring 100 cm x 60 cm (A).

  2. Legs:

    • 4 pieces measuring 45 cm x 10 cm (B).

  3. Shelf:

    • 1 piece measuring 90 cm x 50 cm (C).

  4. Side Supports:

    • 2 pieces measuring 90 cm x 10 cm (D).
    • 2 pieces measuring 50 cm x 10 cm (E).
Cutting
  1. Use the measuring tape and square to mark the pieces on the wooden boards.
  2. Cut the pieces according to the measurements above using the saw of your choice.
  3. Sand all the edges of the cut pieces to remove splinters and ensure a smooth surface.

Assembly

Step 1: Preparing the Legs
  1. Mark 5 cm from each end of each leg (B) and drill pilot holes for the screws. These holes will be used to attach the legs to the tabletop and shelf.
Step 2: Attaching the Side Supports to the Legs
  1. Place a long side support (D) between two legs (B) and apply wood glue to the ends.
  2. Use wood clamps to hold the pieces in place.
  3. Drill pilot holes and then screw the side supports to the legs. Use 2 screws for each end.
  4. Repeat the process for the other long side support (D) and the two short side supports (E), creating a rectangular frame with the legs.
Step 3: Assembling the Shelf
  1. Place the shelf (C) on top of the side supports (D and E) and align it well.
  2. Apply wood glue to the top edges of the side supports where the shelf will be attached.
  3. Use the pilot holes drilled earlier to screw the shelf to the side supports. Use 2 screws on each side.
Step 4: Attaching the Tabletop
  1. Place the tabletop (A) on top of the legs (B) and align it well.
  2. Apply wood glue to the top ends of the legs where the tabletop will be attached.
  3. Drill pilot holes and then screw the tabletop to the legs. Use 2 screws on each leg.
Step 5: Finishing
  1. Sand all the surfaces again, especially the areas where the wood was glued and screwed, to ensure a smooth finish.
  2. If desired, apply paint or varnish to protect the wood and give the table an aesthetic finish. Apply in thin layers, lightly sanding between each layer.

Final Tips

  • Ensure all screws are tightened properly, but not so much that they crack the wood.
  • Use wood clamps to firmly hold pieces in place while the glue dries, ensuring more precise assembly.
  • Work on a flat, stable surface to avoid misalignment during assembly.

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Conclusion

By following this step-by-step guide, you will be able to create a simple and functional coffee table. This project is ideal for practicing cutting, assembly, and finishing techniques. Good luck and enjoy your new piece of woodworking!

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