How to build a turned leg coffee table. Step by step plan included video tutorial to build coffee table.

Preparation
4 - 3 1/2" turned coffee table legs
6 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long
7 - 1x4 @ 45" long (tabletop boards)
2 - 1x4 @ 24 1/2" (breadboard ends)
2 - 1x4 @ 16 1/2"
2 - 1x4 @ 41"
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
The key to a great tabletop is making sure all of your tabletop boards are cut to the exact length, and then joined with pocket holes from underneath. I like to clamp every screw just to make sure we are getting the smoothest edge to edge joint possible.
If you are using glue, be very careful not to let glue dry on the tabletop and stain the surface.
If your ends are not perfectly straight, there is no shame in trimming with a circular saw. It's about getting a great finished project!
Another consideration is to try to alternate the grain of the boards so the boards aren't all facing bark side up or bark side down. This is done to prevent your tabletop from warping in one direction.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
claydowling
Mon, 02/13/2012 - 17:14
Top Thickness
You'll actually be fine with 1x thickness stock for the top and it won't sag if you glue the edges and lay it on rails like you have. If you can secure it with pipe clamps until the glue sets you won't even need the pocket screws to join the edges.
hammertime
Mon, 02/13/2012 - 17:34
Question for Clay
Clay, do you mean with regard to making it a dining table? i.e. using 1x thickness? Just wanted to clarify. I see a new dining table in my future, but would rather use the 1x...
In reply to Question for Clay by hammertime
claydowling
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 04:49
Dining Table
1x material is more than sufficient for a table top, if you use the support rails that Ana has shown in the picture. It will change the look of the table quite a bit, because the top will seem much lighter.
Your wood absolutely needs to be straight, and it's not a terrible idea to match plane the edges (look for youtube videos on match planing). It can partially or completely remove the groove between boards. Another alternative if you have a table saw is a glue line rip blade, which I'm currently using for some glue ups. If you have those tools though you're probably not asking these questions.
hammertime
Mon, 02/13/2012 - 20:16
Gorgeous!
Ana, this is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much. The table is beautiful and the video is so very helpful! Love it all.
xo
In reply to Gorgeous! by hammertime
Ana White
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 13:34
Thank you! Really enjoyed
Thank you! Really enjoyed making this table! Hope to see brag posts from this plan soon!
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 02/13/2012 - 22:16
coffee table (turned leg)
Sorry - I am new at this - so some simple questions:
(btw - very nice work/site)
- What type of wood did you use for this?
- What do you mean that you "clamp each screw"?
Thanks!
In reply to coffee table (turned leg) by Guest (not verified)
claydowling
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 07:01
Clamping the screws
Watching the video, what Ana is talking about with clamping the joint line is maybe not entirely obvious, and isn't always practical to do, but is very useful.
She's using toggle clamps to hold the boards down to her work surface, at the joint between the boards, as close as possible to the screw she is driving. That makes for a pretty flat top, and getting it any flatter will require copious sanding or some work with bench planes.
She's using toggle clamps, which require a work surface they can be attached to. The good news is that Kreg makes rails that will hold toggle clamps and can be attached to nearly any work surface. If you can find a Woodcraft store they usually have a pretty good selection and the people there can show you some really neat options.
I also thought she was using something a bit nicer than standard home center pine, possibly poplar or a select grade. For something like this the quality of the wood makes a real difference.
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 02/22/2012 - 09:47
Thanks Clay - very helpful!
Thanks Clay - very helpful!
impex380
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 06:43
Great legs Ana!
Great legs Ana!
hammertime
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 08:12
Thank you, Clay!
This is very helpful information, Clay. I'll look for match planing videos as you suggested. There is a lumber store near me that sells very nice straight wood (unlike the wood I find at Orange or Blue) so I may go there for the wood.
Thanks again Ana!