Have you been dreaming of a folding table for a long time? Can't find the right model? Do not despair. Indeed, it is possible to do
Benefits of transforming tables
The modern world is full of technological innovations. This applies not only to electronics, but also to furniture. Transformer furniture is at the peak of popularity. This is especially true for tables. They can be placed in any room: living room, kitchen, dining room. Due to the compactness of this furniture, you have a great opportunity to save a lot of space. In addition, it can carry several functions at once. For example, today the table-bed-transformer is in great demand. You can also make it with your own hands. During the day, you can seat all your friends at it and have a meal, but at night this table turns into a bed on which you can relax. Interesting, isn't it?
Transforming tables are especially relevant for a small kitchen. Their functionality depends on the mechanisms that are the most important aspect such furniture.
Often these tables change not only in size, but also in purpose. So, for example, a small box that can serve as a chair can easily turn into a festive dining table. Now you can organize a feast and not worry that you will have nowhere to seat guests.
What is the secret of the mechanism of transformer tables
The mechanism for the transforming table is so simple that even a child can handle it. It works with special built-in iron parts that move certain parts of your table, thus making it powerful and big.
As a rule, stores today offer a wide selection of modern folding furniture. It is durable and can please everyone with its long service life. In addition, transforming furniture can please with its wide selection in color solution. Thus, you can choose the shade that suits your interior.
The only drawback is the high cost. Not every average citizen of our country can afford to purchase this element of the interior. But for those who want to acquire it, we suggest making a transforming table with your own hands.
How to make a book table yourself: materials and tools
Before you make a transforming dining table with your own hands, you need to make all the calculations correctly and prepare a drawing. There are certain parameters for this product: height - 75 cm, width - 80 cm, tabletop length - 152 cm. Therefore, you will make a table of just such dimensions or deviate slightly from them, but you need to build on these parameters.
For the basis of such furniture, you should opt for moisture-resistant chipboard, although non-moisture resistant is also allowed. Fasteners in this case are 12 pieces of butterfly loops in the amount of 4.5 cm.
To attach the tabletop to the side of the table, 4 corners are needed. In addition, 2 limiter corners are also needed here.
We collect a table-book
The first thing you should do is process the saw cuts. To do this, use a simple iron. Remove excess material with a sharp construction knife.
After that, start assembling from the legs. Attach the hinges using special modern screws. The mechanism for the transformer table is ready. For an aesthetic appearance, confirmations are closed with plugs.
Take the bottom edge, which should be at the bottom of the table, and the two side walls. Fasten them so that the edge is 10 cm from the floor. In this case, the rib should be between the walls. Take the second crossbar and fasten it to the side pieces parallel to the first. It should be about 40-45 cm from the floor. Here it is worth considering the moment that the distance from the ends of the inner ribs to the side ends of the side walls should be approximately 3 cm less. Otherwise, the tabletop wings will not fit snugly and loosely against the table base when folded.
After that, on the sides, first attach a small one in the middle parallel to the inner ribs, and then two large parts of the table top on the sides.
Strengthen the legs and tighten all the mechanisms.
One do-it-yourself transformer table is ready.
What you need for a folding table for the kitchen
The transforming table for the kitchen is a leader in space saving. It is ideal for small spaces, as its base is attached to the wall.
In order to make a similar round transformer table with your own hands, you need to have the following components at hand: a bearing part, 2 struts, shelves and a tabletop rounded on one side.
To get started, also prepare a drawing with the dimensions you need. For the material, it is better to take laminated chipboard with a thickness of at least 1.5 cm. But if you do not have one, then it can be replaced with or planed boards. But in the latter case, they must be rubbed with fine sandpaper. In addition, such material requires painting or varnishing.
Assembling a kitchen folding table
The base is attached to the wall by hanging. For this, experts advise using special anchors. And its parts themselves are assembled using self-tapping screws and This process is less time-consuming compared to the previous one, but it still requires a lot of effort and attention.
So, the mechanism of a transforming table, made by oneself, in this case is concluded only in fastening the moving elements to the base, which is already tightly adjacent to the wall. After the ends are glued with an edge, staple the back surface and attach the shelf parallel to the upper small part of the countertop, fix it with self-tapping screws. After that, follow the instructions above and continue to fasten the parts of the table one by one.
The choice of mechanism and the design of a coffee table-transformer
Before you make a transforming coffee table with your own hands, you need to decide on its functionality, which fully depends on which mechanism for the transforming table you choose. After all, its appearance (with a spring or gas lift) directly affects how your table will fold and unfold.
The second stage in the assembly of folding furniture is its design. As a rule, here you should be guided by the recommendations that are included with the mechanism itself. Project coffee table may be different. by the most simple option is normal small table, consisting of two halves of tabletops, which are further moved apart and another part of the tabletop is inserted in the middle. Thus, a transforming coffee table, which almost everyone can do with their own hands, increases in size.
Assembling a folding coffee table
After all the details are cut out of chipboard, their ends must be glued with an edge. After that, try on all the details. Mark with a pencil. If your product is dark in color, then it is recommended to use a sticker for this purpose. In this case, the previously made marks will not be erased and will be clearly visible on the surface of the laminated chipboard of any color.
We assemble the transformer table with our own hands using a special drill for confirmations. After assembling the base, proceed to fixing the mechanisms. To do this, do it in the right places through holes and fasten the parts with special bolts.
Many owners of small kitchens prefer to use them only for their intended purpose - for cooking and storing food. A place for family meals has to be found in the living room. Not the most convenient and hygienic option. The exit lies on the surface. Or rather, on the table. transforming kitchen table. Its compactness and functionality allows you not to run more with plates around the apartment, have breakfast and lunch in the kitchen. Their popularity and demand is growing. The range includes premium models and budget products made from different materials.
Small table big possibilities
Compared to a bulky dining table with a limited set of functions, it has a lot of advantages.
- Compactness. The ability to change the size of the tabletop and the height of the table, depending on the currently selected function and the area of the room;
- Ergonomic and easy to adjust, which even a child can do;
- Safety in use;
- Height adjustment allows it to be used by a person of any height;
- Saving room space;
- Multifunctionality.
Transformer magazine-lunch
The coffee-dining table can turn a cozy living room into a dining room in a few seconds.
The stability of the model in the unfolded state is provided by supports with constrictions that move when folded.
Metal for the kitchen
Similar models, often combined with wooden elements, are purchased mainly for use in the country house, in the park, and the gazebo. Multifunctionality allows them to be used not only for their intended purpose, but also for cooking grilled products on an open flame. Very good option for picnics, guaranteeing not only comfort, but a spectacular spectacle in the dark. Compact when folded. How to transform an ordinary table by decorating it ceramic tiles, find out in .
Plastic
Lightweight, easy-to-care products made of decorative plastic also have their fans. The elements of the sliding mechanism are usually made of metal, which guarantees the reliability of the design. Basically, these models of tables are used in country houses.
Do-it-yourself transforming kitchen table, drawings, diagrams
Buying furniture is easy. But high-quality transformers are not so cheap. In addition, the commercially available may not fully meet your taste and wishes in terms of functionality. Making a transformer is within the power of any person who not only knows the names of different tools, but also knows how to handle them. Skills in this field are desirable. For manufacturing, even leftovers and trimmings of the right size and tools are suitable:
- Saw;
- Electric drill, socket and other keys, drills;
- Fasteners, screws, nails;
- Sandpaper, paint;
- Long brass hinges;
- Wooden blocks, corners or pipe trimmings for table legs;
- Details for load-bearing rails made of wood. height-adjustable furniture legs), frame.
If you used a drawing from the Internet, it is better to make sure that it is accurate and that there are no errors before starting work.
The order of work, how to make a compact transformer
When making a transformer yourself, it is very important to observe all the parameters. A discrepancy of a few millimeters can deprive you of such a desired product.
Work algorithm:
- Prepare all the elements of the future design, making sure that they fully comply with the desired dimensions. Details for the legs must be absolutely identical to ensure the stability of the table;
- Drawing a line on inside countertop exactly in the center, cut it into two identical parts. On each of them, attach support tires;
- To connect the legs through each pair, drill holes of the desired diameter. Attach loops parallel to each other;
- Assemble the product.
There are many options for making a transformer. The principle is the same everywhere. Availability of skills, dexterity, the right tools. The main thing is not to be afraid and follow the schemes and all sizes.
A transforming table (sliding table, butterfly table) is a great option for a small kitchen. It takes up minimal space, is mobile, easy to fold and can expand up to the right sizes when you need it. Also read about how to choose the right inexpensive for the kitchen.
I saw the transformer table only in photographs or on video, I didn’t have to contemplate it live. But I really wanted such a folding table to stand in our living room, because it has many advantages. When folded it coffee table, and when unfolded - a full-fledged dining table, and it unfolds in a matter of seconds.
Online stores selling furniture offer a decent range of such tables, but somehow the prices are not particularly encouraging. Yes, and I, as a person engaged in the manufacture of furniture on my own, was interested in making it with my own hands.
The main highlight of this folding table is the transformation mechanism. Now it is also available for sale. But why spend extra money. Therefore, I decided to make the table completely with my own hands without purchased transformation mechanisms.
I started my work by searching for the necessary information on the Internet. Most importantly, I wanted to find detailed drawings of the transformation mechanism. Since I have been collecting furniture for more than one year, both for myself and to order, I had no doubts that I could assemble a table, but I had never come across a transformation mechanism before. Therefore, the main efforts were directed to finding information about him.
I devoted several evenings to this work, and finally, a general picture of the mechanism began to emerge, as it should be. I wanted to make the transformation mechanism available in the assembly. So that during its installation it was not necessary to do specific work, for example, welding parts, or use parts made to order from a turner. All components must be freely available.
It was decided that the mechanism will have its own body (box), which I will make from furniture chipboard. Movable parts will be made from profile pipe 20x20mm. bolts with a diameter of 8mm will be used as the axes of rotation. And as auxiliary, lifting elements, gas lifts for furniture facades will be used.
Now it was necessary to design a three-dimensional model of the transformation mechanism (MT). The PRO100 program was not quite suitable for me for these purposes, so I had to quickly master another program for three-dimensional modeling. The easiest in terms of development for me was the Sketch Up program from Google. In it, I made an MT project for my table.
And then the model of the whole table.
It was time to move from virtual modeling to real modeling. To test the performance, I made a layout using building chipboard. From it I made a box and almost all the details of the mechanism. This made it possible to make sure that the designed MT works. Unfortunately, the chipboard stands turned out to be fragile and after the model fell off the table, two of the four broke.
With this model, I have already worked more thoroughly. I specified all the dimensions, slightly changed the initial design. I had to suffer for a very long time, inventing how to arrange gas shock absorbers so that they help when laying out the table. I probably took apart and reassembled the transformation mechanism eight times, changing the position of the shock mounts in the process, in order to achieve the desired result.
Now I had exact dimensions all the details, I knew where and what holes to drill. In the PRO100 program, I made a three-dimensional model of the MT.
Bought everything necessary materials and started assembling.
For the manufacture of two transformation mechanisms, I used the following materials and fittings:
pipe 20x20 - 4 pm;
pipe 50x25 - 1.2 pm;
strip 20x4 - 1 mp;
bolt m8x120 - 6 pcs.;
bolt m8x60 - 2 pcs.;
nut m8 - 26 pcs.;
washer 30x8 - 24 pcs.;
intersection screed - 12 pcs.;
corner 45x25 - 0.06 pm;
bolt m8x50 - 2 pcs.;
bolt m4x20 - 8 pcs;
gas shock absorber 120-140N - 4 pcs.;
Chipboard - 0.3 sq. m
The weight of each mechanism turned out to be a little more than five kilograms.
Estimated cost of materials $33.
This is what the assembled mechanisms look like.
Now it was time to start making the table.
With the design of the table, I did not have any difficulties, because this is a familiar thing. In the PRO100 program, I first made a draft of several table options.
I liked the first option better, so I decided to do it. Additionally, I made a draft of this version of the table in the Bazis-Mebelshchik program, so as not to waste time manually calculating the dimensions for fasteners.
Acquired the necessary accessories:
eccentric coupler - 16 pieces;
confirmation - 32 pieces;
self-tapping screw 4x30 - 32 pcs.;
double plastic corner - 4 pcs.;
self-tapping screw 4x16 - 8 pcs.;
futorka D8 m6x13 - 12 pcs.;
bolt m6x30 - 2 pcs.;
bolt m6x20 - 8 pcs.;
bolt m6x15 - 4 pcs.;
hinge hinges - 3 pieces
Furniture chipboard in two colors dark and light:
Chipboard light 16mm - 1.92 sq. m;
Chipboard dark 16 mm - 2.69 sq.m.
In total, the cost of materials and services for cutting chipboard and gluing the edges was $75.
The assembly process did not take me very long, although at the final stage there was one nuance that delayed the work. But in the end, everything worked out for me and, in general, I was satisfied with the work. This is what my table looks like.
The table turned out to be quite durable, it confidently withstands my weight, which is a little more than a hundred kilograms.
The transformation mechanism works well. I unfolded and folded the table many times, there was no backlash in the details. But if necessary, you can always make the necessary adjustments, free access to the transformation mechanism allows you to do this. The paint is slightly scratched on the metal slats closer to the top. Probably, when folding, the racks rub against the edges of the support bars. But this is not critical, since it is not noticeable at all.
Unfolding the table is not difficult, although gas shock absorbers begin to provide tangible assistance only halfway through. The weight of the table is approximately thirty kilograms, it is quite stable.
Sitting at the table is quite comfortable, with my height of 180cm, sitting in the middle of the table, I only slightly touched the underframe with my knees. By the way, the underframe niche between the two mechanisms can be used to store tablecloths, napkins and other items for table setting.
But the most positive moment is the reaction of others. What is the expression on the faces of my acquaintances when, before their eyes, the coffee table turns into, I won’t say that it’s elegant, but still a full-fledged dining table. Not to mention the requests to make them the same.
Now the financial side of the issue. The production of this copy cost me a little over a hundred dollars. The average price of such a table in online stores is at least twice as high. The table looks exactly the way I wanted. On the basis of such a transformation mechanism, it is possible to develop a table of any design or construction, for example, a desk table.
If you are interested in drawings and a detailed description of the manufacture of a transformer table, then read my offer by clicking on the link.
| Created 07 May 2014 | |||||||||
You can't arrange a lot of furniture in a small apartment. The owners should think about interior items that can simultaneously perform several functions. Two tables - coffee and dining - can easily replace one transforming table. Buying this product will hit your pocket, so it's better to do it yourself.
What can you do at a transforming table?
Behind the enlarged surface of the transforming table it is convenient to dine with a large company
The biggest advantage of multi-form tables is their versatility. A seemingly standard table can be turned into a completely different one, which can have any purpose:
- Table for a solemn reception of guests;
- A place where you can cook and cut vegetables and fruits;
- The surface on which breakfast, lunch and dinner;
- Table for work (if you have to read or write in the kitchen).
To these functions, you can add the use of a transforming table as a cabinet or coffee table, but these appointments are more modern.
The most popular and useful option is to combine a coffee table with a dining table. While there are no changes in the life of the owners of this piece of furniture, it may have a vase of flowers and a framed photograph, or magazines may lie on it. But as soon as guests arrive, the table area increases so that the hosts can occupy it with cutlery and treats.
How does a coffee table transform into a dining table?
The principle of turning an ordinary table into a dining table is based on changing its size. This is facilitated by varying the shape and height of the countertop above the floor. The table surface gets bigger and taller in one or more steps:
- Raising the legs of the table in the same way as the ironing board;
- Separating table elements stacked together (like the pages of a book) and then pulling them out;
- Combination of the above two methods.
Having decided to create a transforming table yourself, you must first decide on the type of transformation. When choosing, you need to deviate from individual preferences. And to know for sure which way to turn a table from one to another is better, it is recommended to study the information on the forums.
This is how the folding table mechanism works
If you want to make a transforming table so that there is a place in the apartment for a romantic dinner for two, then it is wiser to stop at transformation method No. 1. And when from time to time it becomes necessary to host friends (up to 10 people), it is much more correct to make a table, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich is increased by method No. 2 or 3.
Most often, men choose to self-manufacturing a table, parts of the tabletop of which are removed to the sides, making room for built-in elements. These additional components of the table are located inside it or stored separately (like hair dryer nozzles).
The transformation of a coffee table into a dining table is carried out thanks to the installation of special mechanisms. They can be sliding surfaces, gas lift loops that lift and hold the “lids” of the table, and special fittings.
Materials and tools
Usually a multifunctional table is made of wood (and they take solid bars), chipboard, glued wood panels and glass. But not only the usual lumber, but also unnecessary things like a suitcase, window frame or pallets can serve as raw materials for the manufacture of such an interior item.
Chic and unusual in their appearance, transforming tables are made exclusively from ordinary laminated fiberboard or medium-density boards.
How much material is needed can be calculated immediately. To assemble a standard square transformer table, use:
- 4 bars that will become the legs of the table;
- Chipboard 2.2cm thick for countertop ( Alternative option- sheet of plywood);
- Chipboard 1.6 cm thick for the body;
- 4 corner mounts connecting the surface of the table with the legs;
- Pipes with a diameter of 2 cm;
- Transformation mechanism;
- Bolts, nuts, hinges, washers and self-tapping screws.
To connect and process parts, you will need putty and wood glue. You need to choose only those that are suitable for working with wood. In order to increase the service life and improve the aesthetic appearance of the product, it is recommended to arm yourself with impregnation and varnish. And to collect all the prepared parts in order to get a transforming table out of them, tools will help: nails, a hammer and a trowel.
Design and assembly of elements: step by step instructions
design coffee-dining table it is possible in the computer program PRO100 or Sketch Up. They are easy to understand, so even a beginner can quickly figure them out. True, drawing up a project and drawings of the desired table is a time-consuming process, so you will have to wait 2 hours for the result.
The figure shows standard sizes transformer table parts
Having received the drawings, proceed to cutting materials. You can cut it in the same program, more precisely in the annex to it. After printing the nesting map, it's time to make cuts. Finished parts made of laminated fibreboard should preferably be assembled together, not fastened yet, to be sure of the correct sizing.
Now it's time to assemble the table frame, using ties to hold the wooden elements together (confirmants). They are immersed in a tree with a screwdriver.
To make clear markings on dark chipboard parts, you can use ordinary stickers. A pencil is not suitable for this purpose - the lines drawn by it are barely noticeable, since the graphite glare and reflect. When using stickers, there is no glue left on the surface at all.
It's time to equip the structure with legs. They must be thick, because all the elements of the transformer table will put pressure on them. Together, their weight can be about 50 kg. It is better to play it safe and connect the legs to each other using ties.
Then you can screw the legs to the table. But first you need to accurately mark the fasteners and drill holes in them. The legs are usually mounted on metal bushings. The created holes will not be visible, since the upper part of the legs is hidden in the frame.
Equipped with transformation mechanism and countertop
Having finished with the fastening of the legs, you can start mounting the mechanism that is important for the transformer table. First you need to equip the product with springs that separate the folded parts of the table, and then insert a special device into the frame.
This device for changing the shape of the table weighs about 10 kg, so it is better to fix it in the structure through a through way. There is nothing wrong with this, because it is correct. In addition, all gaps and fastenings made will not be visible from under the false legs.
It is necessary to apply markings for attaching the mechanism, using all the same stickers. And then you can drill holes into which later you will need to insert bolts. After creating through holes, you need to arm yourself with a fosner and prepare a place for dipping the bolt heads.
Now it's time to mount the mechanism with bolts. These parts will need a lot, because they securely connect the walls of the table so that they become self-supporting.
The coffee table transforms into a dining table when it gets taller and wider thanks to a special mechanism under the table top
The last task is the installation of the countertop. First of all, holes are made for fastening the elements, and then two parts of the table top are fixed in place - first a small one, and then a large one.
The tabletop must be assembled carefully, because in the event of an error it will unfold unevenly. And for the separation of the parts of the tabletop, the hinges are responsible, which must be not only working, but also durable so as not to come out of special nests.
After the work done, you need to try to expand the transformer table. If you have to make efforts to increase the area of \u200b\u200bthe table, you will need to adjust the transformation mechanism. If the table unfolds perfectly, then you can varnish it.
Using this manufacturing technique, it will be possible to obtain a durable and original transforming coffee-dining table. Such a product will be useful to every housewife and will last for many years.
One of greatest inventions in home improvement there is a folding table. Lightweight and compact, it is perfect as a picnic table, camping table. This great idea for a gift to friends or neighbors. It is easier to buy such a transformer table in the store to save time and effort. But, by making it with your own hands, you can not only save money, but also develop its design as you wish.
Various options are possible: wooden, plastic, aluminum tables-transformers.
With just three simple materials, every DIY enthusiast can make their own folding furniture in the form or shape they like.
After spending time productively and visiting local lumber and tool stores, you can select and purchase finished materials. In addition, you can just walk in the yard around your own house, perhaps you will also be able to find something there that you can use: all kinds of wood remains or nails left over from last year's repairs or something else. All this can be used in a new project.
Materials and tools
For one small portable wooden table would need:
- Approximately 1-1/2 inch wooden plank for table top. You can also use a thicker board or plywood sheet. It all depends on the expected load on the table for which it is intended. It can be any wood: pine, cedar, oak and the like, the main thing is that it must lie long enough to dry. You can also use plastic as a countertop.
- A thin piece of plywood for the rim of the tabletop, or any other material that matches the look and finish of the tabletop.
- Bar 20 * 45 for the manufacture of table legs. You can also use a metal tube or corner as legs.
- Wooden parts for load-bearing rails according to the selected table dimensions.
- Electric drill and a set of drills.
- Screwdrivers, wrenches (including socket).
- Saw (manual or electric).
- Brass hinges (long, garage type).
- A set of screws, nails and other fasteners that may be needed. At the same time, it is imperative to take into account the conditions under which the table will be used: galvanized metal products should be used for outdoor use.
- For finishing: sandpaper, paint or varnish, stain, brushes.
- Drawing preparation.
First you need to "sketch" a drawing of the proposed table in order to determine its design in advance and correctly calculate the dimensions. There will be few details for such a table:
- countertop (one, two or three parts);
- frame with stiffeners;
- legs.
It will be easier to keep the scale and change the dimensions, if necessary, if you make such drawings on graph paper. You can download a copy of the sketch of the table model you like from the Internet. But since, despite all the efforts made by the authors of homemade sites, there is a possibility of errors in the dimensions of the drawing, it is worth making sure they are correct by checking the calculated values.
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Table making
So, having prepared and decided on the design and dimensions, it's time to start measuring and cutting. In other words, to make blanks of parts in order to make them out of them.
It is very important to make sure that the parts are made exactly with the selected dimensions. The ends of the table legs, which will serve as a support, should be cut at an angle so that the table is stable.
If the table is supposed to be made in such a way that it can accommodate a large number of people, then its tabletop can also be made folding.
One of the options for such a countertop (and the simplest) is done like this. Having marked exactly the middle on the inside of the countertop, cut it in half. Both halves must be exactly the same in order to fit perfectly when the countertop is folded. On both halves of the tabletop, it is necessary to place support rails for the legs in such a way that there is a canopy of at least 5 cm from each edge, the fastening of the halves of the tabletop to each other is done with loops. Edge cut all saw cuts.
Make holes for a support rod through each pair of legs to connect them. Attach loops to the top of both pairs of legs. They must be exactly parallel in order for the table to fold properly.
It's time for the final assembly of all the parts. To do this, along with metal fasteners, special glue should be used so that the fastening is flawless and the table lasts longer.
Of course, a real master will not be able to limit himself to this version of a transformer table.
After mastering the dynamics of its creation, the design possibilities are truly limitless, as are the applications for transforming furniture. Well and appearance you can plan the table yourself or peep the idea on the Internet.
