This project was built and designed by Drew Fisher. It’s a beautifully executed drop-leaf end table created to fit a tight space while offering expanded surface area and built-in storage.
Made from black walnut and featuring curved legs, a drawer, and folding leaves, this piece highlights the balance between form and function. Drew’s thoughtful design makes the table ideal for everyday use and adaptable for entertaining or additional workspace.
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Designing for Flexibility
Drew’s goal was to replace an old prototype table his wife had been using between two chairs. The challenge was to build something compact yet expandable, offering more surface area when needed without crowding the room.
Using Fusion 360, Drew planned the table’s layout and mechanics. The design allows the leaves to swing upward and double the usable space—an ideal solution for small living areas or multipurpose rooms.
Selecting and Prepping the Wood
For this build, Drew selected black walnut, known for its strength and rich, warm color tones. Before cutting, the boards were left in the shop for a few days to acclimate, which helps prevent warping or movement after assembly.
Once ready, the boards were rough-cut to length and planed to remove mill marks. He then used a jointer to square one face and one edge, followed by trimming everything to final dimensions.
Special attention was given to selecting boards that included both heartwood and sapwood. This added contrast and character to the finished table, showcasing the natural beauty of the walnut grain.
Building the Frame and Supports
The table frame included sliding supports to hold up the drop leaves when extended. To get the correct angles for the supports, Drew tilted his table saw blade—an old trick he picked up from his dad.
For the sides, he created a plywood template that helped trace and cut both pieces identically. Using a bandsaw, he carefully removed waste from the sides while keeping the shape true to the template.
Shaping the Legs
The legs were built with gentle curves to complement the table’s overall style. Drew used another handmade template to outline the curves, ensuring symmetry across all four legs.
After rough-cutting the shape on the bandsaw, he spent time sanding each leg smooth. The finished legs added visual lightness to the table while still providing plenty of stability.
Frame Assembly and Joinery
Instead of traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery, Drew laminated multiple boards together in a way that left openings for connecting parts—what he jokingly called “mortising through lamination.”
This method saved time while still offering a strong bond. He used glue-ups with careful clamping to ensure the assemblies stayed square and crisp during drying.
Once the leg assemblies were complete, Drew added top rails with a similar glue-up method, rounding out the frame and creating a solid base for the tabletop.
Adding Storage with a Drawer
To enhance the table’s functionality, Drew built a small drawer box using simple butt joints and brad nails. It’s a fast and effective method that holds up well in smaller furniture applications.
He installed drawer slides inside the frame and tested the fit before mounting the face. The drawer fits flush with the apron and adds just enough space for storing remotes, books, or other small items.
Making and Shaping the Tabletop
The top was created from several black walnut boards glued edge to edge. After drying overnight, the panel was sanded smooth and cleaned up to prepare for the drop-leaf routing process.
Drew then created a custom jig to shape the curved drop-leaf ends. Using a trim router, he cut precise half-circle profiles so that the leaves fold upward with a clean, consistent arc.
Careful sanding smoothed out the edges and removed any leftover glue residue. The attention to detail at this stage made for flawless alignment between the center panel and the folding leaves.
Applying the Finish
To bring out the rich color of the walnut, Drew used a penetrating oil finish. He applied several coats, allowing the wood to absorb the oil fully before wiping away any excess.
Once dried, he buffed on a hard wax to provide a layer of protection and give the surface a soft, natural sheen. The finish deepened the contrast between the heartwood and sapwood, giving the table a refined and polished look.
A Thoughtful, Elegant Furniture Build
The finished table is compact, versatile, and full of character. It fits perfectly between two chairs while still offering extra space when needed, and the drawer adds everyday practicality.
Drew’s wife loved the final result—a huge upgrade from the prototype she had been using. With strong joinery, clean lines, and natural wood tones, this project is a great example of how woodworking can solve real-life needs with style.
Support Drew by shopping his plans: https://fishersshoponline.com/plans.