You are here:About>Hobbies & Games>Woodworking> Shop Design & Layout> Free Portable Woodworking Table Plans
About.comWoodworking
Newsletters & RSSEmail to a friendSubmit to Digg

Build a Portable Shop Table

From Chris Baylor,
Your Guide to Woodworking.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Part 1

Free Woodworking Plans - Portable Shop Table
(c) 2006 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.
Previous | Next >>
If you're like me, you probably can never have enough table or bench top space. My problem is, I don't have a large enough shop for a woodworking table in addition to my workbench, so I need to move machines around in order to work comfortably.

To solve the problem, I built a portable woodworking table. This lightweight table has a 4-foot by 8-foot table top and casters that can be employed when the table needs to be moved, but raised up to allow the table legs to sit securely on the floor. In this manner, the table won't move when you need to work, but can be easily rolled to any spot in the shop. Matter of fact, when the weather's nice, I like to roll mine out the door and work outside.

This is loosely based on a table created by Norm Abram on the New Yankee Workshop, but with some basic improvements. A color-coded CAD drawing accompanies each step, so you can see the details on how to make this useful woodworking project.

Difficulty Level
  • Woodworking: Easy
  • Finishing: Paint or stain optional

  • Time to Complete
  • 3-4 Hours

  • Tools Required
  • Miter Saw or Circular Saw
  • Cordless or Corded Power Drill
  • Layout Square
  • Materials Needed
  • Ten (10) 2x4 8-feet long
  • Four (4) 1x6 8-feet long
  • One (1) 4x8 Sheet 1/2-inch CDX Plywood
  • One (1) 4x8 Sheet 1/4-inch Masonite
  • Four (4) 3-inch Spring Door Hinges
  • Four (4) 3-inch Door Hinges
  • Four (4) 3-inch Casters
  • Four (4) 1-inch closed Eye Hooks (screw-type)
  • Two (2) 6-foot lengths of small nylon rope
  • 2-1/2 inch and 1-1/2 inch Deck Screws
  • Glue
  1. Part 1
  2. Building the Base of the Table
  3. Adding the Table Legs to the Base
  4. Attach the Stringers to the Table Legs
  5. Attach the Caster Board to the Table
  6. Attach the Caster Base Braces to the Stringers
  7. Attach the Casters to the Table
  8. Connect the Rope Pulls to the Caster Braces
  9. Attach the Table Top

Previous | Next >>

 All Topics | Email Article | | |
Advertising Info | News & Events | Work at About | SiteMap | Reprints | HelpOur Story | Be a Guide
User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy©2008 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.