Coffee table

#1

Here is a coffee table concept I put together last week.

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The back door to the house rotted away, so the landlord replaced it and left the original glass panels in the garden so I thought it would be a challenge to make use of them.
The mitred frame is made from some pine I had left over and the legs are cut from reclaimed futon left on our street.

In order to get the groove for the glass I used a Stanley combination plane 12-250 which I bought on eBay for £20.The plane looks like some orthopaedic instrument but can cut really fine grooves to a fixed depth.

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Mitre corners were cut from the long grooved pieces and glued with mitre clamps around the glass.

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As the groove is very snug, the glass fits firmly with just friction so the table can be disassembled with ease.
(probably not a good table to have with kids around!)

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#2

This is great @Twm !

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#3

That’s a really cool design, but I’m getting heart palpitations just looking at that centre span!

Is it toughened glass do you know?

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#4

Yeah that’s why I call it a concept as I don’t know how safe the glass is. Itt seems strong:I test loaded the centre with a few bricks but I have no idea of the properties.

#5

With thicker, toughened glass you’d be onto a winner I think. You can do pretty audacious spans with glass if you use the right stuff :slight_smile:

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#6

Cool thanks. I might have to look into toughened glass as I’m liking the design.

#7

Very nice! Have you considered putting cross members low down in the leg? Might add a little frame strength without compromising the look too much.

#8

Good idea. That was my original plan but I wanted to see how minimal I could make the frame first.

#9

Looks good

#10

Very nice - thanks for sharing.

#11

Hi Twm, how did you fix the legs to the mitered frame?

ps great looking table :slight_smile:

#12

I created a little recess and glued it. I would probably use dowels and glue in final piece.
Thanks !

#13

Toughened glass is quite easy - you just go into a glass place with your measurements and order it. My people in Hertfordshire actually then order it from somewhere in London.

Not exactly cheap. I think the last table top i did was 500mm x 500mm and came in at £105.

If you can find something similar with a glass top that might work. I’ve used the glass bits off lazy susan serving things as table tops. Also IKEA do some - if you can find a piece pre-made and cut your wood to fit it will work out cheaper!

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#14

Looks awesome, combination plane looks like it works a treat too!

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#15

Beautiful work! If the glass was originally in an external door then it must be pretty strong and thick?

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#16

thanks for all the feedback! It has given me something to think about.