How to Build a Hinged Cutting Table

Cutting tables allow you to pin your fabric down when cutting, so the fabric does not slide off the table. In small rooms when space is a commodity, cutting tables are often skipped because of the space issue. However, by making the cutting table hinged, you have the ability to fold the table up when not in use. Instead of paying a fortune for a store-bought table, make your own in a weekend. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Cut a piece of 36-by-48-by-1 1/4-inch plywood into three 36-by-16-by-1 1/4-inch pieces using a circular saw. Sand the cut edges with medium-grit sandpaper.

2

Place the three pieces of plywood into a 36-by-48-by-1 1/4-inch rectangle by laying the three pieces next to one another. Place two 36-by-1 1/16-inch piano hinges over the seams where the three pieces meet. Place the curved hinge in between the spaces between the boards. Secure the hinges to the wood using the hardware that comes with them.

3

Create a 32-by-14-by-4-inch rectangle for the frame of the table. Use two pieces of 32-by-4-by-2-inch boards and two 10-by-4-by-2-inch boards. Rest the ends of the shorter boards on the edges of the larger boards. Secure them in place by placing two 4-inch wood screws through each side of the larger board into the ends of the shorter boards.

4

Place the hinged plywood piece from Step 2 on top of the 32-by-14-by-4-inch rectangle with the hinged side up. Center the center plywood section on top of the rectangle. Place one 3-inch nail through the top of the plywood into the rectangle underneath every 6 inches.

5

Turn the hinged wood over so the plywood is against your work surface and the 32-by-14-by-4-inch rectangle is up. Place a 36-by-4-by-4-inch post into each of the inside corners of the 32-by-14-by-4-inch rectangle. Secure the posts in place by placing 4-inch wood screws through the side of the rectangle into the sides of the posts.

6

Attach two 7 1/2-by-5 1/4-inch flip flop table hinge to the plywood pieces. Place one hinge in the center of where the first two pieces meet. Place the center of the hinge over the space between the two plywood pieces. Secure it in place with the included hardware. Place the second hinge in the same position where the second and third plywood pieces meet. Use the hardware to secure it. Flip flop hinges are hinges that secure themselves in the open position to support the weight of the tabletop.

7

Turn the table so the posts act as legs. Attach three pieces of 36-by-16-by-1/4-inch cork onto the three sections. Spray the surface of the wood with spray adhesive. Center the cork pieces and press them down. Let the adhesive dry overnight.