After spending weeks lurking on the site, I decided to go for it. I have no real experience doing this sort of thing, so everything was a learning experience. I had to invest in a lot of tools but the materials only cost about $100 ($50 in pine from local home store + ~$50 in other materials).
I live in a small apartment, so my workplace was less than ideal. I did a lot of sawing and sanding in the space you see so I made a HUGE mess, but I didn't really have any other choice.
I'm really pleased with the outcome. It isn't perfect, but it doesn't have to be. There are gaps in the planks on the table top, but I can live with it. I didn't follow the plans exactly in order. I built the table top first which allowed me to add removable legs for when it comes time to move. Instead of screwing the legs, I hung hanger bolts and did a nut/bolt setup (as I type this, I realize this was not a necessary step - I could have bolted the legs instead of screwing them in per the stepwise instructions, which would have been easier. Alas, what's done is done!). The picture shows two sets of nuts per bolt, but this is only because I had extra bolts and this ensure that I don't lose them.
I plan on finishing with a polyurethane and building the benches but that will be in the future. My advice to anyone on the fence is to just do it. It's easier than you think and if it doesn't turn out exactly perfect, no big deal. My project goes to show that even with a tiny Chicago apartment, as long as you're willing to make a mess, it can be done. Good luck, thanks for reading!
*sorry my photos are aren't right-side-up - just tilit your head :)
Comments
spiceylg
Fri, 05/25/2012 - 05:49
Holy Moly!
That is so cool! Beautiful job. Looks like those curves too lotsa patience, something I seriously lack. Thanx for sharing.
Sue_McL
Fri, 05/25/2012 - 09:09
WOW!
Would love to have the template for the universal piece... I have to make one of these!!!
FANTASTIC job....
Ana White
Fri, 05/25/2012 - 13:10
Love your creativity and
Love your creativity and project!!!!! So awesome!!!
Mariah Papaya
Sat, 05/26/2012 - 06:29
Thanks!!
Yes, it took ALOT of fiddling to get a universal puzzle piece template made up -- I was sorta copying one I found (google "Vector Puzzle") but had no way to blow it up so huge. Even after I cut them out, I ended up doing a lot of sanding to make the joints work, but it was fun! If you want, Sue, you could mail me an envelope and I'll trace one for ya!