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3–In–1 Coffee Table

3–In–1 Coffee Table

Project by John Bowler

From Australian Handyman Magazine

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

Made from New Zealand beech, this box is just larger than 700 x 600mm and about 450mm high. Designed as a coffee table, it’s also sturdy enough to sit on or use as a TV stand, and can store books, magazines or cushions. This box was lined with striped wallpaper, using double-sided tape. Add a retaining strap or chain between the lid and sides to stop thelid opening more than about 110º, which could damage the piano hinge.

Timber Boards
Use quarter-sawn boards for the side panels, but if you have to use back-sawn boards, keep the heart side on alternate sides of the panel so the boards support each other and minimise movement. Quarter-sawn and back-saw boards have different degrees of movement in them, so avoid using them in the same panel.

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.