LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Project Information

Last month I was blessed to be able to serve my parents for three weeks while Mom recuperated from a broken clavicle and leg. During that time, my brother's health continued to decline. I had seen a tray table which I thought that he might be able to use, so when I returned home I drew up a SketchUp plan. Once I had the table for Mom nearly complete, I began his table.

I wanted to keep the table lightweight, so I used some poplar (bigtooth/sawtooth aspen) milled off our property. I didn't take as much time as I should have to find clear boards which would be sufficient to cut the top in a continuous grain ;-(.

While I was working on it, I emailed a friend and she asked what verse I would be engraving on it. Why hadn't I thought of that? I added Romans 8:28 which has always been a comfort to me, knowing that God is in control, desiring the best for His children, even when we don't understand what is happening and why.

It was much easier woodburning the lettering in the poplar than in the lauan plywood drawer bottom. I wanted to add a little color and had to do some experimenting to get a somewhat transparent color. I stained and varnished the top first, then added the color, and last sprayed several clear coats.

I didn't know what I would use to hold up the top. I didn't think a clothes hanger would be heavy enough. As I looked around the shop, I saw a metal piece I had removed from a portable heater (yes, I know, you're saying, "What a pack-rat!"). It was exactly the correct size and I just had to straighten out a bend in either end of it. God is good!

The legs were made to swivel on short pieces of metal (sawed off from a 10-penny nail). (I forgot to take a picture of the table in the closed position before I gave it to my brother.)

I was able to finish this table, as well as Mom's, in about two weeks, which is really quick work for such an old lady! At least my husband was impressed with my speed!

Thanks for taking a look.

UPDATE: I have posted a blog with measured drawings and instructions for construction.

L/W

Gallery

Comments

· Registered
Joined
·
5,279 Posts
Nice work and resourceful too.
Best wishes to your family.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
59 Posts
And my wife wonders why I never throw thing out. You never know. Prov. 4:23
 

· Registered
Joined
·
4,567 Posts
I love it! Very creative and artistic. Recycling parts on your projects takes good engineering!!
Thanks for sharing and I hope your mother and brother are improving! We'll be praying for your family!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
306 Posts
Excellent design- and construction- and in 2 weeks! Right down to the wood burning- this is a gem of a project, and you should be very proud of your work. It would be interesting to see your plans- if you wish to share them.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
464 Posts
WOW! That is one very nice tray table. You are a very talented Lady. I hope your family gets well soon.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
49 Posts
Very nice job and design - It turned out really well.

Thanks for sharing
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,171 Posts
Thanks to everyone for your kind comments.

Donna, I'd be happy to share the SketchUp file with anyone who wants it. I'm still at my folks now and don't have the file here for the tray, but I'll try to get to the library when I get home to download it on high-speed. Just send me a PM if you'd like the SketchUp file. I could make a pdf of the verse and border, too, if anyone is interested.

L/W
 

· Registered
Joined
·
306 Posts
If it is just the exterior view I could probably get that info from the photos. For me to tackle a project like that I'd need scale drawings- which I guess you did not need. Where/when/how did you learn woodworking?
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,171 Posts
Donna,

The SketchUp file has all the parts, etc. with sizes shown. If you don't use SketchUp, I could convert the individual scenes to pdf, and then you could use that. If you want them, let me know.

L/W
 

· Registered
Joined
·
405 Posts
From one pack rat to nother, Well done! My shop keep getting fuller and fuller . . . well, someday . . . maybe. Your table support was so well made, I thought you ordered it from a catalog??!? Sounds like you had a lot of fun making both projects, LWLL!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
49 Posts
Wow! Well done. I have been putting plans together to make one for my wife and you have given me some great ideas. I was kind of stuck on the legs and was giving up on having folding ones but yours work beautifully. I too would love to see some dimensions.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
306 Posts
I'll bet there are a number of people here who would love to see, and possibly use, your plans. If you put them in PDF format then we could all share in your talent. That would be swell- tia.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,171 Posts
To anyone who would like the plans in pdf:
We just got back from helping my folks again so if you can give me a couple of days to get caught up, I'll post them. Do you think I should post them in this section, or should I put them into a blog?

Thanks for your interest.

L/W
 

· Registered
Joined
·
306 Posts
I don't know what way would be best- but maybe a blog would be easiest. Just let us know here when and where. Thanks!
 

· Registered
Joined
·
332 Posts
Not only but also, another beautiful piece, Hope all's well with the family, \God bless L/W :))
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,171 Posts
Pete,

Thanks for your comment. One day I still hope to learn the lathe (but I'll never be able to turn like you and a few others on here).

Mom is doing well, but my brother is prepared for death. His current brain tumor is inoperable and has caused complete paralysis of his left side, as well as blindness in his left eye. He is using his last days/weeks/months to continue to share the good news of Jesus Christ to all with whom he has contact. PTL, his mind remains clear and sharp.

L/W
 

· Registered
Joined
·
332 Posts
Sorry to hear about your brother's latest condition, so long as the Medics keep him comfortable & he has his family about it is maybe all you can do for him untill a higher call is made. :)
Thought with you & the Family
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1,171 Posts
I've just posted a tutorial with measured drawings if you would like to make a similar tray table. I hope you will find it helpful.

L/W
 

· Registered
Joined
·
24 Posts
I really like this. I have a question. What are the dimensions and would a 17 inch laptop sit on this without it falling over? I have a plastic one, but the laptop is much too heavy.
You did a fantastic job and I bet your brother is proud.
 
Top