Build Your Own Drafting Table - That Should Hold!

7/24/2019 Build Your Own Drafting Table - That Should Hold!

1/18

25OCT 2012

BY THATSHOULDHOLD

POSTED IN PROJECTS, TIMBER

WITH 5 COMMENTS

PERMALINK

October 25, 2012 thatshouldhold

BUILD YOUR OWN DRAFTING TABLE BY THATSHOULDHOLD ON OCTOBER 25, 2012 WITH 5 COMMENTS

Working as a full time structural engineer believe it or not can really take a toll on your body

sooner or later. Or any profession for that matter that involves sitting at a desk and either

staring at a computer screen or being hunched over looking at blueprints all day. So, to take

the ease off the body a little I have constructed a cost effective solution to get me up out of

the chair and to stra ighten that neck up a bit. That being said here is the step by step

instructions to uild your own Draft ing Table for use in the office or at home.

New! !Drafting Table Plans and 3D Model available for Purchase Here!

More Details at the bottom of this article.

Build your own Drafting Table Schematic Phase
http://thatshouldhold.com/product/drafting-table-plans-and-3d-model/http://-/?-http://thatshouldhold.com/author/admin/http://thatshouldhold.com/build-your-own-drafting-table/http://-/?-http://thatshouldhold.com/category/structural/timber/http://thatshouldhold.com/category/projects/http://thatshouldhold.com/author/admin/


2/18

First and foremost before you start to build your own drafting table no project should go

without a set of plans and details. So, basically here is my drafted plans, a scope if you may,

of the drafting table to be constructed.

As you see it will composed of two surfaces one that is the actual drafting surface and theother that is the base to connect the legs and wall too. There will be a ledger that will be

fastened to the wall and hinges that are attached to the bottom surface. It will consist of two

legs that fold in and out so the table is able to rotate against the wall when not in use.

Here is a bill of materials of the final project cost broken down. Note that any of these items

can be substituted to constructors wishes.

of Items Material Store Price

1 3/4Birch Plywood Home Depot $46.97

1 26 Douglas Fir Larch #2 Home Depot $3.58

2 24 Douglas Fir Larch #2 Home Depot $5.12

3 3 1/2Everbilt Hinges Home Depot $8.34

4 1Everbilt Hinges Home Depot $7.88

5 ft 1/4Round Home Depot $2.50

2 Drafting Table Hinges Rockler $36.29

2 Folding Leg Bracket Rockler $15.39

1 Leather Trunk Handle Rockler $10.99

2 Unpinned Loops Rockler $8.29

1 Sand Paper 150 Grit Rockler $1.39

1 Sand Paper 400 Grit Rockler $1.39

Total Cost: $148.13
http://www.rockler.com/http://www.rockler.com/http://www.rockler.com/http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=449&site=ROCKLERhttp://www.rockler.com/http://www.rockler.com/http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=9993&site=ROCKLERhttp://www.rockler.com/http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=790http://www.homedepot.com/http://www.homedepot.com/Flooring/h_d1/N-25ecodZ5yc1vZaq7r/R-100677159/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=quarter+inch+round&storeId=10051#.UDkn66Az5-Qhttp://www.homedepot.com/http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202034166/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=1%22+Everbilt+Hinges&storeId=10051http://www.homedepot.com/http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202558075/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=3+1%2F2%C3%A2%C2%80%C2%B3+Everbilt+Hinges&storeId=10051#.UDkmiaAz5-Qhttp://www.homedepot.com/http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1z0ywxvZ1z0ywxv/R-202047288/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UDkmJ6Az5-Qhttp://www.homedepot.com/http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1z0ywy6Z1z0ywy6Z12kx/R-202047294/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UDklfaAz5-Qhttp://www.homedepot.com/http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100077837/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=birch+plywood&storeId=10051#.UDkkEKAz5-Q


3/18

Here is a list of tools that were used or some that should have been used to make my life

easier.

Drilland Tape Measure

Hinges

THAT SHOULD HOLD!

ABOUT JTWRIGHT ENGINEERING AR CHIVES RESOURCES PE EXAM
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4/18

Adjustable Drafting Table Hardware

Hammerand Chisel

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION CONTACT
http://thatshouldhold.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Hammer-and-Chisel.jpghttp://thatshouldhold.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Hammer-and-Chisel.jpghttp://thatshouldhold.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Hammer-and-Chisel.jpghttp://thatshouldhold.com/ask-the-engineer/http://thatshouldhold.com/category/residential-construction/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiselhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hammerhttp://thatshouldhold.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Hammer-and-Chisel.jpghttp://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=790


5/18

Jigsaw

Build your own Drafting Table Design and Preparation Phase

So now that we have covered all the schematic design, budget and materials needed lets get

into the actual design/preparation phase of the drafting table. Basically, first off we need to

cut the 48 sheet of plywood to the dimensions that we need. The drafting table surface is to

be 28x40. The reason that I chose this size was for enough room to place a typical set of

plans. A set of construction plans can run from as small as 8.511 to as big as 3442. But the

most common sizes are 2234 and 2436 in the industry for architectural as well as structural

engineering. So, I wanted to just be able to accommodate a maximum size of 2436 because Iusually wont use anything bigger than that. However, it is your choice your the designer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jigsaw_(power_tool)


6/18

Drafting Table Plywood Surface

Next you will need to cut the bottom piece of plywood. This piece was intended to be the

base of the rotating mechanism. It will be attached to the ledger with hinges and will have a

handle under to raise and lower as needed. The legs will also be attached to this piece. Thesize that I chose was a little bigger than the table top piece. This gave a area on both sides of

the table for pencils and stuff. So, I cut the bottom piece at 30x48.

Then we will need to cut the intermediate 2pieces for the drafting table surface to land

upon. The reason the pieces need to have a height of 2is for the hinges to be able to rest

inside when they fold down. Plus it adds a nice storage area for either drafting equipment or

construction plans. So, cut (4) pieces, two for the sides and two for the front and back.

2-inch Strip for Drafting Table
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plywood


7/18

Next we cut the 24s for the legs. I chose a height of 32for my table legs. It was a little taller

than a normal table but I personally would like to be able to stand up and review plans as

needed. Also the 26 ledger will need to be cut to the same length as the bottom piece of

plywood at 48. Then all you have to do is a little bit of sanding and apply the stain as needed.

Build your own Drafting Table Construction Phase

Now to start to build your own drafting table or the construction of the drafting table. First we

need to attach the 2strips to the drafting table bottom piece of plywood. I attached it with

typical screws spaced at 6on center (o.c.). I generally use screws in lieu of nails mostly

because I like to have the flexibility of being able to remove and change the design around if

needed. It is a lot easier pulling out a couple of screws than a couple of nails. And plus you

can reuse them.

2-inch Strip to Drafting Table

Next, it is time to install the adjustable hinges to the drafting table surface and bottom piece.

Rockler provides a nice installation guide for this that is shown below. It is 12 3/4from the

end of the hinge to the screws and 2-3minimum from the sides. These dimensions should

be measured from the 2 inch strips not the end of the drafting table bottom surface. So, install

the actual hinge to the bottom base piece and the hinge catcher to the underside of the

drafting table surface. Also do the same for the connection of the top drafting table surface

to the hinge by installing the separately provide top hinge mount to the dimensions specified.This piece actually allows full rotation (front to back) while the hinge opens and closes and

provides a bit of lateral stability (side to side).


8/18

Adjustable Drafting Table Hardware

Adjustable Hinges to Drafting Table

Before we put the two surfaces together we will need to install the hinges on the 2front

piece and attach them to the drafting table surface. I installed four 2hinges spaced evenly

across the front of the table instead of a solid piano hinge. I did this because I think is easier

to install, cheaper and they didnt have dimension I needed and I didnt feel like trying to cut

it. By installing these hinges it will take some unnecessary pressure off the architectural

hinges and keeps the rotation point located directly at the front of the table so it wont lift up

from the front. I suggest that you take a chisel or a jig saw and cut out a section, equal to the

depth of the hinges, off the 2strips (perpendicular to grain) so that the table can lay flat

when closed. Pre-drilling the screw holes is not a bad idea either because the actual

attachment to both surfaces is a bit tricking with one person.


9/18

Now it is time to attach the the table top to the hinges and the Rockler architectural hinges. It

helps to have someone else hold the table when you attach it because of the angles but if

your like me and have no friends then I suggest laying the entire table on the floor and

putting some blocking under the table top (by the 2strips) to hold it up vertical. This is where

the pre-drilled holes come in handy. Alright, now test it out. Make sure there is a smooth

transition all the way and down. Adjust the architectural hinges if needed. The below pictures

shows (2) hinges installed and the architectural hinges. After installing (2) of the hinges I

decided to test it out and make sure everything was opening and closing to my liking. And it

didnt but with a few clicks here and there it was up and opening smoothly. Cant beat trial

and error.

Drafting Table Hinges Installed

About now the drafting table is around 80% completed. The only items left are the foldinglegs, the ledger attachment to the wall and table, the paper stopper strip of quarter round

and the stain (if you havent applied it already). Then it is off to putting some miles on your

new drafting table!

Actually, now would be a good time to apply the stain of your choice. I went with a

conventional lighter oak stain with a polyurethane finish. For my drafting table I applied (3)

coats of stain sanding each time before applying the next coat thus ensuring a nice smooth

finish.

Ok, now lets focus on installing the folding legs. The trick here is to install the first leg (lets

say the left side) located at the corner of the 2vertical strips near the front of the table. Then

install the other leg about 4or more inward on the opposite side. That ensures there is no

conflict of the legs hitting one another when they are folded in. The Rockler leg brackets are

perfect for this. They are equipped with a locking hinge mechanism that keeps the legs

upright and locks them when folded. They are one of the best that I have seen in this

category of folding table hinges. And only $15 for the two, these are perfect. The f inal

measurements that I have for the f irst leg is 3from the front and 5from the left side of the

bottom piece of the drafting table. Note, these measurements are from the edge of the

drafting table to center line of the leg post. The other leg should be approximately 7from

the front and 5from the right side.


10/18

Folding Drafting Table Legs

Now for the ledger. The easiest way is attaching the 4hinges first then attaching the ledger

to the wall. For the wall attachment I used two screws per stud. Lets get right into the

engineering of this connection. This detailing is applicable to almost any ledger attachmenteven for a house (rafter or joist ledger) or a deck addition attachment to a house. The

controlling code in this case is the National Design Specifications for wood construction 2005

edition. The NDS devotes 45% of its material directly toward fasteners and connections.

Connections are generally classified according to the direction of loading. Shear connections

have the load applied perpendicular to the length of the fastener. The second major type of

loading in a wood connection has the applied load parallel to the length of the fastener, and

the fastener is loaded in tension. The direction of the grain of wood also has different

structural properties and load values.

So, in our case we are loaded in shear with the grain perpendicular. The NDS has 6 yield

modes of loading that you are required to calculate. Then you need to apply factors for

temperature, moisture in woodetc. Without getting too much into the tedious method of

calculating the load lets use the simple way. In the NDS there are charts for different fastener

types to wood connections. So you can easily look up the allowable load for almost any type

of wood connection in the needed direction which saves a lot of time. In our case we can turn

to table 11L and go to Douglas Fir-Larch (or whatever wood you used) on the top column and

1-1/2(2x that has been planed 1/2) side member on the side category. And we are using #10

wood screws which will give you 117# per screw. So, our total load resistance with (4) screws

is 117# *(4) = 468#. That is all there is too it. For more information on the actual connection

design see the following step-by-step example post located here.


11/18

Ledger to Wall Connection

Then attach the 4hinges to the drafting table bottom piece and thats it! The folding drafting

table is completed! And since you know what force it can withstand you can tell everyone

that you built a Drafting Table That should hold! Or something like that.

Final Folded Drafting Table


12/18

Drafting Table Side View

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13/18

New! ! Build your own Drafting Table Plans

CAD Plans and 3D Google Sketchup Model are now here for purchase!!

Included in this package is:

Drafting Table Instructions (condensed version)

Drafting Table Cut Sheet.pdf

Drafting Table Plans.pdf

Drafting Table 3D Sketch-up Model

For purchase click ere

Note from the Admin:

The Drafting Table Plans and 3D model are finally here! I really appreciate everyones

positive feedback and requests about this drafting table design. By purchasing these you not

only are getting a great value but are contributing to the future content on this site. Without

you guys it really wouldnt be worth it. My main purpose is to give back and help others with

the skill set that I have.

If there is any tutorials or projects that you would like to see dont hesitate to ask. Im a

practicing structural engineer that has the resources to answer almost anything you have. So,

the more questions and requests the better. In almost anything you do an engineeringprinciple can be applied. The traffic signal that you sat there waiting to turn green on your

way to work was all timed and engineered to be as efficient as possible (although it may not

seem that way!). Not to mentioned the pole holding it up.

All the appreciation is on my part.

Cheers!

ThatShouldHold.com

Build your own Drafting Table Useful Links

Here are some other drafting table designs that I though where also very interesting and well

thought of. Enjoy!

Curbly

Instructables

HeliumPintrest

Google LinkedIn Email Print

Build a Speed Bag Platform Structural Engineering Fees Project Design Phases -

Initial Brainstorm

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14/18

TAGGED: BUILD YOUR OWN DRAFTING TABLE, DRAFTING TABLE, DRAFTING TABLE DESIGN, DRAFTING TABLE

PLANS

COMMENTS (5)

The Pope

OCTOBER 25, 2012

Great tutorial sir! I really enjoyed the little bit of structural engineering

you showed. Looking forward to the hand calcs so I can kind of do my

own design.

REPLY

replier

APRIL 25, 2013

How do you prevent the plywood from bowing and warping? I got the

same plywood, but it contorts itself like mad. The thing is so soft and

light, its like Drywall instead of hardwood.

REPLY

thatshouldhold

APRIL 26, 2013

Plywood typically already has low moisture content, as the heat used

in drying and gluing the layers together assures that the plywood is

not wet. However, it can warp which results in the usual twisting

effect that you have experienced. Some reasons could be that the

moisture content was higher than normal and changed dramatically

when it was glued and heated causing it to warp. This can happen in

high moisture climates during the winter time. Another reason could

be that it was left outside after it had been glued and was exposed to

different temperature and weather conditions, then dried causing

some warping. There are ways to correct warping but I wouldnt

recommend any of them. Basically, what you do is add consistent

warm water to the the plywood and weigh it down to try and correct

the skew or twist. Whether this works or not it is probably more work

than needed. If you bought your lumber at Lowes or Home Depot

and havent cut it, I would just take it back and exchange it for new

un-warped piece of ply. As for the plywood being soft and light like

drywall thats odd. This is 3/4thick plywood it should be nice andrigid. Maybe go with and oak finish next t ime and see if there is more

stiffness in that, may cost a little more. But make sure before you

purchase to inspect for notches, marks, stiffness and warping. It is
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15/18

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expensive so make sure this is the piece you want. A popular

woodworking named Chris Schwarz, aka the workbench design

master, never buys 24 studs because of the low grade wood it

comes from. Instead he buys a 210 or 212 and rips it to the

thickness of a 24 for quality. I ts all preference. Hope that helps.

REPLY

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minkiejung

AUGUST 10, 2014

ive been thinking building my own drafting table, but been having a hard

time to figure out what i need and what to do. this is perfect! cant thank

you enough. really appreciate this.

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