How to make a table with a book with your own hands
The table-book is one of the first transformers that appeared during the Soviet Union.
These tables allowed to save space in small apartments and therefore were quite popular.
What is a book table
The design features are that the tabletop consists of two or three parts, which are attached to curtains of the "butterfly" type. If a table is not used, the sides of the table top are perpendicular to the floor.
But if necessary, the table top unfolds and rests on additional legs. In this case, the area of the countertop increases several times.
Varieties and features of tables
There are a variety of models:
- With one side part of the tabletop or with two;
- With a bedside table in the central part, from which drawers can be pulled out, and without it;
- With a different number of additional legs;
- On wheels and without them;
- Equipped with folding chairs.
Tables differ in the material of manufacture, in the quality of the fittings, in the shape of the tabletop, which can be either rectangular or with rounded corners. Each person has his own idea of what kind of table-book he needs.
If the models present in the stores do not meet the requirements or are made of low-quality material, or the assembly leaves much to be desired, you can always read the instructions on how to assemble a table, a book, and make furniture yourself.
How to make a book table with your own hands
There are several stages of work:
- Design;
- Selection of materials and tools;
- Creation of all details;
- Assembly;
- Decor.
You definitely need to understand exactly what kind of furniture you want to get started.
You can draw the table itself before drawing, this will simplify the task.
Attention! Many sizes of the book table are standard. For example, it is impossible to make the side parts of the tabletop very large, this will affect the height of the table and it will not be very comfortable to sit at it. This must be taken into account when creating a diagram.
Calculation, diagram and drawing
The standard dimensions for a table of this type are 80 cm wide, the central tabletop can be of different sizes, but most often the dimensions are 25x80 cm.This is due to the fact that the table-book often has to be moved, so it should not be very heavy.
When self-assembling the table, additional stiffeners are usually provided on additional legs. Many people are tempted to make extra legs on wheels, or even put an entire table on wheels. But this is not a very practical solution.
The fact is that it is really easier to move such a table, but it will also be less stable during use. Therefore, it is better to supplement the legs not with wheels, but with rubber or felt pads.
When designing a table, it is important to remember that a rectangular tabletop will look more neat when the table is folded, and rounded corners will protect from injury when the model is unfolded, this is very important, because a transformer is rarely unfolded, which means that the owners of the house and their guests are out of habit. will be injured on the corners.
Each master can make a specific drawing himself, and it may differ depending on minor differences in furniture.
Tools and materials
For work we need:
- Chipboard sheet;
- Pencil;
- Ruler;
- Edge;
- Butterfly loops;
- Screws;
- Screwdriver;
- Sandpaper;
- Hammer;
- Bars;
- Metal corners for attaching the central tabletop to the base;
- File or jigsaw.
This list may differ, for example, if you want to make a table on wheels.
Attention! Don't skimp on bowtie hinges. Install 4 small curtains or one long curtain for the side table attachment for the entire length of the joint. If there are fewer fasteners, the table will last less, because the weight of the tabletop, distributed over a small number of screws, will lead to a quick breakdown of the furniture.
Manufacturing process
Assembling the product is quite simple if you have the slightest skills and high-quality tools. First you need to construct a base of beams. This will be the box itself and the side legs with additional hinged retractable legs.
It is advisable to provide stiffeners in the middle on additional legs and on the base box. At the first stage, it is too early to install the side legs on the hinges, you just need to process all the details for their spectacular appearance. All structures need to be sanded, varnished and set aside while the master works with the upper part.
Cut out the worktops blanks. We decorate them with an edging and set the central part on the base. After that, we turn the workpiece upside down, so that the three components of the surface lie side by side and make up an even canvas. In this position, the elements of the tabletop are connected by hinges.
Only after that, without turning the table over to its natural position, you need to install additional legs. Make sure that they fit snugly against the table top, the slightest miscalculation will lead to the table surface being uneven when unfolded.
The final stage
The table is almost ready, but it is worth installing protection on its legs - pieces of rubber or felt.
Then turn the table over, check it for stability, ease of transformation. If you did everything correctly, there will be no problems.
Where to put such a table
The advantages of a do-it-yourself book table according to drawings and diagrams that a person created himself is that you can make furniture for any interior. Someone installs such furniture in the nursery so that the children have a place to play, but it is enough to lay out the table so that a surface appears on which children can both draw, collect puzzles, and learn lessons.
A table in the living room will allow you to receive guests at any time, and quite a lot.
Such furniture is in demand both in offices and in stores.
The folded book table can be used in the interior as a coffee table, while it can be installed both directly against the wall and in the center of the room or by the window.
A self-assembled table will last longer than a budget model that is comparable in price to this product.Therefore, dare - and you will enjoy the fruits of your hands for many years and be proud of the result.
Video: do-it-yourself book table