3–In–1 Coffee Table

Build a sturdy, all-purpose coffee table, storage unit and bench seat

By John Bowler

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Coffee table Photo:

STEP 1

Cut the boards
Using a mitre saw, cut boards 50mm longer than the finished length. Arrange three for each side panel and five for the lid, squaring a line across the face 100mm in from the ends and
at the centre. Use a biscuit machine to make three grooves in joining edges.

STEP 2

Add the biscuits
Position two sash clamps on the bench and stand the boards on edge within the clamps. Apply adhesive to edges and in the grooves, tap a biscuit into each groove on one side of each board except the first. Position the boards with ends flush in the clamps.

STEP 3

Join the boards
Clamp boards without distorting the panel, then release the pressure to wipe adhesive from between clamps and panels. Reapply pressure, adding more clamps over the top to prevent bowing. Check with a straight edge, wipe clean and leave to dry.

STEP 4

Cut the side panel mitres
Sand surfaces with a belt sander. Secure a side panel to the bench with a second panel squarely on top and crosscut ends with a circular saw set at 45º. Measure the length of each panel from the long edge of mitres and cut with mitres facing the correct way.

STEP 5

Cut the mitre grooves
Use a router to make a 4mm-wide groove in the mitred end. Adjust depth to 6mm and set the guide fence to the centre to machine groove across each end. Cut four 10mm-wide slip tongues from 4mm plywood and sand. Check the fit and adjust grooves if required.

STEP 6

Assemble the box
Apply adhesive in each groove. Insert a slip tongue at each corner, pushing to the bottom of the groove. Coat the corresponding mitre in adhesive and assemble the carcass, holding with sash clamps. Wipe away excess adhesive. Sand when dry.

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2 Comments

RD Editor on 11 April 2011 ,16:31

Hi Jessica, thanks for your comment! Many of our projects have a download option in which images are enlarged. You can also find large images in Handyman Magazine.

Jessica on 24 February 2011 ,15:53

I do so love your ideas and projects but the main project images are far too small. I want to be able to see what I am going to make before I start making it and also want to see what it is supposed to look like once finished. Please enlarge the main project pics.