How to Make a Drafting Table

You have decided to work at home and need a drafting table for your hobby or business. You can save some money by reading on to learn how to make a drafting table.

Things You'll Need

• One piece 3/4-inch thick plywood cut to 36-inches x 72-inches for a tabletop
• Two pieces 2 x 4-inch cut to 36-inch for front legs
• Two pieces 2 x 4-inch cut to 42-inch long for back legs
• Four pieces 2 x 4-inch cut to 21-inch long for two top frame pieces and 2-bottom frame pieces
• Four pieces 2 x 4-inch cut to 60-inches for 2-top frame/ 2-bottom frame
• One Borco self-healing drawing board cover 37-inch x 72-inch
• Eight 2-inch dry wall screws
• 32 3-inch dry wall screws
• One drill with Philips head screw tip
• One tape measure or yardstick
• One carpenter's pencil

Instructions

1. Realize that this table is not adjustable. The height and angle are set to fit a majority of people. If you have been using a drafting table at work and have it adjusted to your comfort, measure the height and pitch and transfer it to your homemade table.

2. Draw a box on the plywood. Make the box 6 3/4-inches in from all sides. Extend the lines to the edge of the plywood so the lines intersect. Use these lines as guides when you are installing the frames on the plywood and for the legs.

3. Make the frames by laying out the two 61-inch pieces parallel to each other along the lines you have drawn. Make a box using the two 21-inch pieces on the inside of the longer pieces.

4. Find a helper for this step. Ask the helper to stand with the plywood leaning against her. Now you can screw the frame to the tabletop. Ensure the frame stays next to the lines you drew earlier. Check your top to make sure everything is lined up.

5. Install the legs. Lay the tabletop face down on the floor. Place the two 36-inch front legs, one in each corner of the same side. Fasten the legs with two 3-inch screws each. Do the same with the 42-inch back legs. Measure down on each leg and mark at the 10-inch length. Slide the other frame over the legs, lining it up on the marks you made. Attach the frame using two 3-inch screws on each corner.

6. Flip your table over and see how it looks. If the installed legs are not quite level or plumb, you may have to trim them a bit to get the table exactly as you want it.

7. Install the Borco cover according to the instructions that came with the cover. Put your new drafting table in your workspace and start sketching.