This lift top coffee table was built and designed by Johnny Brook from Crafted Workshop. It features a lift top mechanism, providing a versatile workspace while also offering ample storage for items that typically clutter your living space. Follow along as we break down the steps to create this stunning piece of furniture.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Solid Walnut Boards
- Copper Pipe (3/4 inch)
- Copper Pipe Fittings
- Lift Top Mechanism
- Wood Glue
- Wood Screws
- Half-Inch Plywood (for drawer bottom)
- Quarter-Inch Plywood (for drawer sides)
- Epoxy (TotalBoat High Performance)
- Water-Based Polyurethane
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Pipe Cutter
- Miter Saw
- Table Saw
- Router
- Clamps
- Drill
- Card Scraper
- Block Plane
- HVLP Sprayer (optional)
Step 1: Breaking Down the Walnut Boards
Start by breaking down your walnut boards into rough lengths. Use a miter saw for accurate cuts, but be cautious of kickback, especially with rough lumber.
Step 2: Milling the Lumber
Flatten one face and one edge of the boards using a jointer. If you don’t have a jointer, consider purchasing pre-milled lumber or plywood. Once you have two square surfaces, run the boards through a planer to achieve the final thickness.
Step 3: Ripping to Final Width
Rip the boards to the final width at the table saw, paying attention to any defects. Mark locations for dominoes to align the boards during assembly.
Step 4: Assembling the Tabletop
Use dominoes to keep the boards aligned during the glue-up process. After clamping, scrape off any glue squeeze-out and prepare to fill knot holes with epoxy.
Step 5: Filling Knot Holes
Prepare the knot holes for filling with epoxy. Tape off the underside of the top and pour in the mixed epoxy, then use a torch to pop any bubbles.
Step 6: Constructing the Cabinet
Begin working on the cabinet section. Cut the drawer front from the middle of the board to create a continuous grain pattern. Glue the parts back together, leaving a gap for the drawer front.
Step 7: Building the Drawer
Assemble the drawer using half-inch plywood for the sides and quarter-inch for the bottom. Use bottom-mounted drawer slides for easy access.
Step 8: Installing the Lift Top Mechanism
Install the lift top mechanism, ensuring it is centered and doesn’t hit the cabinet sides. Attach the top and adjust for proper alignment.
Step 9: Creating the Base
For the base, use 3/4 inch copper pipe. Cut the pieces to length and solder the joints. Ensure a clean finish by removing excess solder and polishing the surface.
Step 10: Adding Finishing Touches
Finish the surfaces with several coats of water-based polyurethane, sanding between each coat for a smooth finish. Assemble all parts together and ensure everything fits snugly.
Final Thoughts
This lift top coffee table not only enhances your living space with its modern design but also provides practical storage solutions. If you’re inspired to build your own, plans are here: https://craftedworkshop.com/store/lift-top-coffee-table-with-storage-plans. Happy building!