Things You'll Need:
- Drill, pilot bit, Bolts, lumber, wood filler, stain or paint.
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Step 1
Start by designing your table with a simple sketch. How tall do you want your table to be? Account for one and a quarter inch thickness for your table top. How wide and long do you want your table top to be. You can also make note of what type of lathe cuts you would like to make in your legs. Also note types of router cuts you may want on your table top.
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Step 2
Most people do not have a lathe in their garage. This is why I made mention of prefabricated wood parts. You can purchase these from many home improvement stores, who offer a variety of selections. Use a piece of 4x4 lumber. Make your lathe cuts to give your desired look to your spindles or legs. Cut table legs to your desired length. Most tables are 34 1/2 inches tall. Higher restaurant tables are 44 1/2 inches. Drill two pilot holes with 1/4 inch bit for securing legs to the table basin with 4inch self tapping screws.
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Step 3
Table tops should be at least a 1 1/2 thick to remain sturdy. Most table tops are a solid pieces of wood but if it needs to be assembled in pieces because of it's size, make a dado cut in the side of adjoining pieces and assemble with a dado biscuit and wood adhesive. Clamp together for at least 24 hours. Rough cut your table top according to your design. Finish your edge with your desired router bit to give an accented bevel. Square, round, oval or whatever shape you can imagine is your decision.
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Step 4
Cut side rails out of 1 x 4 lumber and the length of each side of your table. You may wish to cut them shorter then the perimeter of the table to make them recess under the table a couple inches. With a 45 degree miter cut on each end to assemble your basin support for your legs. Assemble your basin by gluing your miter joints together and stapling all four corners twice.
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Step 5
Attach legs to basin using three inch self tapping wood bolts and a washer. There should be two bolts on two sides of each leg staggered, so the don't intersect. Be sure to drill your pilot holes first so you don't split the wood assembling your table. Make the top of your legs flush with the basin surface so that it adds more support to your table. Using an epoxy adhesive apply to the surface of your basin, and set your table top in place.
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Step 6
Finish your table by sanding with 100 grit sand paper successively graduating to a finer grit. 150 grit is smooth enough. Fill any holes and imperfections with Elmer's wood filler. This wood filler will accept stain or paint. If you choose pine for your lumber you will have to condition it before you stain it. All other woods accept stain right away. If you are going to paint it you need to prime it. Sand between coats.
