Tilt-Top Card Table - The Woodcrafter Page� 2004

Start by making the six turnings required. These are shown full-size on the original blueprint, or you can scale the small drawing on the opposite page and multiply by 2.5 to arrive at the proper dimensions.

The reeding on the legs and stretchers is easily run in on the drill press, using D-30 or D-31 shaper cutter in connection with a simple jig to hold the work level, as shown in the lower photo. The work should ?rst be marked on the lathe, using the dividing head, so that accurate spacing will be assured.

Make the band sawed legs next, and then set up the various pieces in a temporary assembly. Care in measuring is required at this point, and the various interlocking half- lap joints should not be cut until an actual set-up determines their position.

The top is made from select 1%;-in. plywood. with an outside rail bringing up the total edge thickness to 11/3 in. The rail pieces are neatly mitered at the corners, this operation being done after the stock is moulded to shape. Fastening is by means of glue and screws into the top proper. An inlay banding on the top sur- face adds considerably to its appearance. If the table is being constructed for a paint or lacquer ?nish, the top surface offers unlimited possibilities for decoration. In any case, a rich t-op surface is essential since this type of table does double duty as both table and screen, both roles focusing attention on the top.

This Tilt Top Table Does Double Duty as Card Table and Screen, an Shown in the Upper Photos. Photo Directly Above Pictures the Reeding of the Turned Legs on the Drill Press.

The final assembly of top to frame is by means of three hinges spaced equally across the center of the top, as shown in the de- tail.

Check the position of the underside of the rail against the legs when the table is folded, and insert a rubber tack in the rail at the two contact points as a check against marring.

Lighter plywood can be used for the top providing a heavy edge moulding and stiffening cross members are used in making a suitable framework.

Right-click here to download the drawing as an Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file.

* * * * Click on the drawings above to download a higher resolution picture. * * * *

*********** WARNING***********
Read my page on safety before building this item.