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This fantastic, fold up puzzle table was a very special request from a loved one. Complete with a tilt-able top, four sorting draws, wheels for easy transport and a removable, stackable top for easy storage, this puzzle table offers so much practicality! A little more on the complex side, this project offered some challenges but overall, is a very user friendly build.
Materials
- 3.4m of 42x19mm dressed pine timber
- 2.4m of 12x12mm dressed pine timber
- 2 x 6mm MDF panels 600x900mm
- 2 x 3mm MDF panels 600x900mm
- 3.2m of 70x35mm untreated framing pine
- Everhang 8mm Rare Earth Disc Magnets - 10 pack
- 46mm Magnetic Door Catches x 6
- Selleys Interior Wood Glue
- Sika Fine Surface Filler
- 6G 20mm wood screws
- 10G 70mm wood screws
- 4 x Taskmaster self adhesive felt rolls
- British Paints White 1L
- 3 x 25mm Brass Hinges
- 2 x Brass Cabinet Handles
- 4 x Delf 45mm Brass Drop Down Drawer Handles
- 4 x Small Swivel Wheels
- White No Gaps Filler
Tools
- AEG Drop Saw
- Ryobi One+ 18V Drill
- Ryobi One+ 18V Multi Tool
- Ryobi One+ Disc Sander
- Ryobi Airwave Nail & Staple Gun
- Ryobi wood drill bit set
- Circular saw or table saw
Steps
Step 1
Using the 6mm MDF panel and 42x19mm dressed pine, carefully frame the inside of the table to ensure 4 identical draws can slide into each opening. I ensured each space could fit a 290x290mm draw.
To secure the frame to the base, I used interior wood glue and nails, with a little help from my Ryobi Nail Gun.
Step 2
Using the same technique, build your draws to match the size of each. Again, frame the outside of the draw using the 42x19mm dressed pine.
Once complete, sand and test their compatibility with the table and make any adjustments as required. I finished off the draws by adding some small disc magnets in the back of the draws using an 8mm drill bit and superglue. I then added small metal clips on the rear of the draw sections in the framed base, ensuring the draws remained secure when moving the table.
Step 3
Sand and paint the interior framing and bottom of the draws to ensure the table is completely sealed.
Step 4
Using the Ryobi Oscillating Saw, carefully cut out sections in the 3mm MDF panel to allow to the additions of the tilting block and magnetic closers. I measured the position of the unused framing space to guide this.
Once you have done a trial fit and are happy, glue and nail the top to the framed bottom. I also used a few 6g 20mm wood screws to ensure there was no additional movement in the MDF during painting.
After securing the top, I patched any imperfections using the Gloss Fine Finish Filler and sanded to ensure it had a smooth finish.
Step 5
I then moved my attention to the tilting top section of the puzzle board. Using 6mm MDF and 12x12mm dressed pine, I carefully framed the top using small nails and wood glue.
Once dry, I completed a trial fit to place the hinges, using a Stanley knife to carefully cut out sections in the MDF to sink them. I then fitted the magnetic stay clips to the base and rear of the top to ensure it clicked into place nicely.
Lastly, I cut out my tilt blocks to hold the top at a 40 degree angle to reduce back pain while puzzling. I cut one side of the block at 90 degrees, while cutting the other at 2 45 degree sides to ensure the block sat snug against the back corner of the slot.
Lastly, sand and paint each piece separately.
Step 6
I then moved my attention to the base. I used 70x35mm pine to created the frame for the base, securing each joint with 10G 70mm timber screws.
I then lined the top and base with 3mm MDF, glued and nailed down securely.
I then used filler to fill any imperfections, sanded the full frame and painted. Finishing the base with some white no gaps filler on the edges of the base.
Finally, I used the left over MDF strips to frame the bottom of the table so that the top was able to drop onto the base easily and securely.
Step 7
With every piece dry, I turned my attention to the cabinet ware installation. This included installing the hinges, magnetic clips and handles.
Step 8
To add to the practicality of the table, I used these great little 360 wheels on the bottom of the table base so that it could be easily moved and adjusted.
Step 9
I used this great self adhesive felt to line the top of the table, base, and the inside of the draws. This also helps the puzzle pieces to remain stationary when tilting the top of removing the draws.
Step 10
Now the table is all ready for some serious puzzling!
Hello @Alicia_Woodwork
What a clever and practical puzzle table. This for sure will keep all the pieces segregated and organized. I've a very strong feeling that once my wife spots this table a request to build one for her will soon follow.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful project.
Eric
