DIY Network

Playful Play Area A table is made using a croquet set. From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-306

Host Samantha Gleisten designs and creates a play table using an old table top, a croquet set, and pool table balls.

advertisement

Materials:

two irregular-shaped table tops
kiddy croquet set
4 pool balls
screws
half-inch plywood
glue
drill bits
sandpaper
screw gun
ban saw
chop saw
drill
finishing nailer

	Figure A
	Figure B

Creating the Middle Supports:

1. The table is going be 20 inches tall. By subtracting the height of the pool balls and thickness of the tabletops (four inches), the middle supports need to be 16 inches long.

2. Cut the croquet handles to 16 inches on the chop saw (figure A).

3. To cut the croquet balls safely, make a "ball jig" by making a 1/2 inch plywood box lined with double stick tape and a hole cut in the top that will help grip the ball.

4. Cut four croquet balls in half using a band saw.

5. Use a 1/2 inch paddle bit to drill out the center of each sliced ball (figure B). This hole will be used to attach the handles.

6. Using wood glue and finishing nails, attach the sliced ball halves to the ends of the middle supports. Finishing nails will be used to keep the ball in place until the glue sets.

Mounting the Middle Supports:

1. Exact measurements aren't needed because of the organic curvy nature of the two tops. Set and mark where you want the supports to go on the corners of the black top.

2. Once placement is found, mark where each support lands.

3. Now that the placement is marked, remove the supports briefly in order to apply glue, and then set back into place.

4. Each support will be screwed twice on either side of the sliced ball, pre-drill, and then screw.

5. Place the red table face down on the workbench, and then put the black table support assembly on top.

6. Once the placement is found, mark where each support lands. Briefly remove the black table unit in order to apply glue, and then set back into place.

7. Pre-drill and screw twice through each ball the same way as in step four.

Figure C

Mounting the Pool Ball Legs:

1. Hold down the pool ball using a board with a small hole in it.

2. Drill a center hole through four pool balls. Determine the placement of each ball, and then glue and screw them into place with drywall screws (figure C).

Project Cost:

Table tops: $10
Croquet set: $4
Balls: $4

Total: $18