How to Make a Cake Turntable

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Things You'll Need

  • Jigsaw

  • Birch plywood

  • Sandpaper

  • 3/4-inch wood edging

  • Scissors

  • Iron

  • Screws

  • Lazy Susan bearing

  • Pencil

  • Drill

  • C-clamp

Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Decorating a cake can sometimes be a challenge, particularly if it is a large one. One way to make the job easier is by using a cake turntable so you can rotate the cake in front of you. Cake turntables are lazy Susans that are used specifically for cake decorating. If you do not have your own, there are a couple of ways to make one at home with little money and effort.

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Step 1

Use a jigsaw to cut two 3/4-inch pieces of birch plywood into two circles. The size of the circles depends upon what size you want your final product to be. One of the circles should be about 1 1/2 to 2 inches smaller than the other. The larger circle will be the top of the turntable and the smaller circle will the base.

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Step 2

Use sandpaper to sand the edges of your circles.

Step 3

Apply a length of wood edging to each circle. Wood edging is a strip of thin wood that has an adhesive backing that is activated by heat. Measure the amount of edging you need and cut it with scissors. Wrap the length around your circle, with the adhesive side against the wood. Use a hot iron and firm pressure to apply the wood edging.

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Step 4

Smooth the wood edging with a laminate roller.

Step 5

Use screws to install the bearing of a lazy Susan to the center of the smaller circle.

Step 6

Rotate the unattached part of the bearing so that its screw holes are over wood and not metal. Use a pencil to mark where that hole is.

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Step 7

Use a drill to make a 1/2-inch hole through the base of the turntable where you marked the hole.

Step 8

Place the larger circle on your work surface. Place the base on top of it, centered and upside down so that the bearing is against the top of the turntable. Use the C-clamp to hold the two pieces together so they do not move.

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Step 9

Use a drill to screw a screw through the hole you made. The screw needs to pass through the screw hole of the bearing. Rotate the base until you are lined up with the next hole in the bearing. Continue to screw the remaining screws in until the bearing is fully attached.

Step 10

Turn your completed turntable over and use it to decorate your cake.

Tip

Give your turntable some character by painting it or adding decals with your company logo.

Use a belt sander instead of sandpaper for quicker results with less physical effort.

Trim and hot glue a thin layer of rubber to the bottom of the base to keep it from sliding around on a smooth counter.

Warning

Be extra careful when using a hot iron and power tools. Wear proper protection such as safety gloves and goggles.

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