"2' X 4' SUV/DIY Table" Topic

I'm building a couple of small tables with materials I can find at the home improvement store and fit in my SUV. In this case it's Home Depot stuff transported in a Toyota Highlander.

When I get photo hosting set up, I'll post some pics, if I remember to stop and take some. So far, I bought a pile of materials. Mostly from the "hobby/project sheet stock" area and the "chair/table build/repair" area, along with the "dimensional lumber you can fit in an SUV" area. Here's the list:

Materials

- Lid/Top:

1/4" MDF @ 2' X 4' (nominal)
1/2" plywood @ ditto (OK 15/32" but you get it)

to be attached with #8 by 1/2" flat head wood screw (and glue)

- Apron/Skirt:

1" X 3" Hemlock (iirc) @ 6' long (thank you very nicely) – 2 ea.

2 cuts at 4' and 2 at 2' – 2T per table

to be attached with 1.75" brad & #8 by 1-1/4" wood screws (and glue)

- Legs:

Standing Table

2" X 2" Composite/Dowel Square Leg @ 36" (nominal)

to be attached to apron & lid with various wood screws (and glue)

Sitting Table

2" X 2" Pre-Bolted Square Table Leg @ sitting desk height (30"-ish)

to be attached to lid with receiver brackets made for above legs

in turn attached to lid with tiny #6 pan head sheet metal screws

Tools:

screw gun/arbor/Phillips bit(s)
small drill & bits
countersink & driver
small/medium screwdriver
miter box & back saw OR cordless circular saw & roofing square
tape measure, combo square, pencil
small hammer for brads

Method?:

Measure and cut apron pieces
Mark lid for apron attachment
Glue and nail apron to lid
Mark apron & legs for pre-drilling and/or use clamps
Pre-drill apron & legs if necessary and countersink apron/plywood
Check plumb, square, level? 8)
Glue and screw legs to apron/lid
Countersink MDF top and attach w/ screws (no glue?)

Posted in hopes of possible usefullness, and not in any way to demonstrate any great ingenuity or master craftsmanship on my part.

TL/DR: Two by four foot table: MDF top over half-inch plywood, one-by-three skirt, pre-cut two-by-two legs, bits fit in the car, easy build, simple tools, not rocket surgery.

Sized for 15mm SF (FoF/TW).

Pics to follow. Eventually. Cheers.

Sounds like an interesting project, though you might consider folding tables, instead.

You can get a 2.5' x 6', that folds in half for pretty cheap. Two, side by side give you a nice 5' x 6' table.

They have hard-plastic tops, and sell for about $30 USD – $40 USD each.

Yes definately post Pics on what and how you do this sounds interesting.

Here's a link to my blog with a pic of the tall table, and I'll attempt to post one here as well. Cheers.

link

It comes up to about my belt line, making it a good standing height for assembly and fabrication. It's tall enough that the banquet table can partially fit under it, crosswise. About the same height as the edge of the slop sink. Not super light, but easy enough to move and fairly sturdy (certainly as sturdy, if not more so, than the utility tables that I bought). I learned a few things about building tables, and may even do some more research next time, before I build. Oh, and I should add that it's the perfect height for the Upper Town of Concordia Corners, which will tower over and look down upon Lower Town. Cheers.