TV Tray Build Part 1

This video is about how to buid a custom tv tray. In this video I go step by step how I built my oak tv tray with dimensions. This video will show you some of the tricks that I used also some of the problems that I ran into. Let me know if this video was helpful to you by clicking the like button. Thanks for watching. Subscribe to see more upcoming projects and the finishing of this build.

[@frankcopete8934]

My son asked me to build a foldable desk, and this is, the exact design and procedure to build one ! Luckily, I do own a few carpentry tools and sure gonna fulfill his wishes by using your methods. Thanks. You made my Day. 🖒🖒🖒

[@DaveMedicus]

That is awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@jesseklassen2017]

My build is for outdoor camping and cooking it’s a butchers block 29”x17”. Using oak dowels and cedar legs. Your video was helpful. Thanks bud.

[@DaveMedicus]

Sounds like a nice build. I hope it turned out well. Send a picture to my instagram if you can I would like to see it. Thanks for watching!

[@kongtran2494]

Thanks @davemedicus your video help me build a bigger one

[@FlannelAcres]

Beautiful! I hate modern tv trays and have been wishing for "old school" trays that are bigger and sturdy. Your design looks great! Thanks!

[@DaveMedicus]

Thank you. I would recommend using a 1 x 2 for the lower leg bracing vs the rod.

[@kongtran2494]

@dave medicus two sides are 12"x1"×1/2" 4 legs are 30"×1"×1/2"(drilled at 15" center) center 2 which are 3"×1×1/2". Cross support 1"down 3/4" in.? From what I noted from video @9:42.

[@billconnelly4459]

Good Job Dave thanks! I'll be building a few for my needs!

[@DaveMedicus]

Bill Connelly good luck. Thanks for watching. Any questions let me know. Just keep in mind that mine are in a storage unit right now.

[@Pitbullddy]

Great videos thanks! These are my next project with a few alterations to make them fit our needs

[@DaveMedicus]

Awesome. You will have to let me know what alterations you made.

[@Juan-mt7wl]

Wow

[@DaveMedicus]

Thanks for watching!

[@5ivestring]

Very nice design, and well explained. Good job!

[@DaveMedicus]

Thanks for watching

[@bonnykennedy4857]

Thanks for the great video, I'm going to try and make a couple of these!!

[@DaveMedicus]

Sorry for the late response. How did they come out?

[@hog1775]

Nice video Dave. Thanks!

[@DaveMedicus]

No problem I hope that it helped. Semper Fi from a 3/3 Marine

[@alandobb950]

On your mitre saw where yo say the gap on the yellow plastic, at 7:06, is wider the kerf of your saw blade and you get tear out, I made a zero clearance strip so no tear out.

[@DaveMedicus]

Yeah I eventually made one too. Thanks for watching

[@terricurtis7206]

like to see plans with sizes

[@DaveMedicus]

I don’t have any plans for this but all of the sizes and information is in the videos. I may do a follow up video explaining everything a little better

[@giathomas745]

Nice video Dave

[@DaveMedicus]

Thank You!!! I am glad that you enjoyed it.

[@jasondavis1507]

I have been looking for a while for a detailed TV tray build plan. I appreciate what you have done in your build videos. Would you be willing to post a spec sheet for all the parts required to complete the build?

[@DaveMedicus]

+Jason Davis thanks for watching my videos. I still have a 3rd video coming so stay tuned for that. I will do a video with a spec sheet for you as well. I have been crazy busy trying to finish up getting my certified flight instructor ratings for helicopters. I will try to get on this soon. Thanks again and subscribe to get my updates

[@colleenmarsters548]

Thanks Dave.

[@DaveMedicus]

You are welcome.Thanks for watching

[@DaveMedicus]

Thanks for watching. I am still working on the part 3 video of this series so stay tuned for the rest of the build.

[@bryandaniel6452]

What are the thickness and width of the legs and anchor points ?

[@chandrahunter836]

What kind of screws you used? What size screws you used? Can you put the written directions on your videos? Where and how did you make the example piece with the double size tape?

[@DaveMedicus]

I actually used exterior screws. The length depends on what size material you use. I used 2” because my material was 2 1/4” thick in some areas. Sample piece was just a trial and error. When I figured out one leg I made the copy.

[@Sami-nh7jb]

thank you sir, great video

[@DaveMedicus]

Thanks

[@colleenmarsters548]

thanks you for answering.

[@DaveMedicus]

+Colleen Marsters Not a problem we are here to help each other

[@GeorgiaRidgerunner]

i think im going to build something similiar on my channel

[@DaveMedicus]

Best of luck. Thanks for watching.

[@COOLTHINGSTODOINLA]

Now it all makes sense

[@DaveMedicus]

+Steve Shkunda Yeah I like to tinker an make things better. I built some extremely nice floating shelves which were used as a book shelf. I have some ideas working around that project.

[@michaelscroggins8106]

I made this tray table a couple years ago and am generally happy with it. But over time it is a little wobbly side to side. Would tightening the hardware fix that? Or is there some other way to make it more stable? I did use lock tite on the threads when it was assembled. Thanks for any help.

[@DaveMedicus]

Tightening it would help. If the spacing for the rods isn’t tight enough you will get a wobble as well. One way you may be able to stiffen it up is to change the rod on the bottom to something like a 1x2 or 1x3 with the long end going the length of the legs. That would help to prevent flex. One thing to look at is if the flex is in your wood being weak or actual deflection. If your fasteners keep loosening up use some loctite to prevent that. I hope this helps.

[@Ernbid]

Great video. Where did you get your nuts and bolts from for the leg mounting?

[@DaveMedicus]

Ernest Boyda I got them from Home Depot

[@Ernbid]

Thanks. Just about finished my tray.

[@DaveMedicus]

Ernest Boyda that’s awesome. I’d love to see it when you have it finished.

[@mikepatterson340]

Thanks for the video! What hardware did you use to attach the legs and at the cross-pivot joint?

[@DaveMedicus]

Mike Patterson I bought them at Home Depot.

[@seanmyers7151]

pronged t-nut

[@robertlangzettel5237]

Great project. If I make my top dimension 24 x 16 inches what would the length of my legs have to be to meet your table height??

[@DaveMedicus]

A*2+ B*2=C*2 will get you your length. (A) height you want minus the thickness of the top from the leg (B) Depth or leg spread when open which is equal to the top= (C) total Length

[@chandrahunter836]

I’m learning wood work and have a lot of questions. What size drill bits are you using? What size are the screws?

[@DaveMedicus]

The screws are just standard drywall black screws. Depending on your material size the screw length is different. I believe I used 1-3/4”

[@paulshaw9355]

Where did you get your leg hardware please

[@DaveMedicus]

Home Depot in the drawers. I explained more on your other comment. Thanks again for watching.

[@user-do2xp3um7o]

One more question what thickness is the wood you use

[@DaveMedicus]

3/4” on top. I believe 1x2 for the legs. 1/2 for the slide.

[@user-do2xp3um7o]

Dave Medicus thank you very much

[@mrskipdiggidy2725]

Awesome design,I need to make a folding table for a portable pizza oven,only weighs 55lbs and needs to be at least 4' high and the table surface almost twice your size,any suggestions?

[@DaveMedicus]

I would personally look for a metal folding table. Something of that size you will want the strength of metal plus the protection from the heat. I know that this isn't really the answer you were looking for but its what I would be considering. I hope that this helps. Thanks for watching.

[@mrskipdiggidy2725]

Dave Medicus I was going to use 2x4's

[@DaveMedicus]

You could probably use 2x4s making the top 4' x 4'. If you do this I would put one leg on each side to get you your 4' height. The legs will swing under to make a compact design similar to how I made the legs for my cornhole video. I would also help to eliminate some heat issues associated with wood by using a piece of aluminum for the top. This will help to dissipate some of the heat associated with an oven.

[@mrskipdiggidy2725]

Dave Medicus thank you

[@pcbn2u]

I already have a segmented tabletop I'll be using. My son made it in high school and I'm going to surprise him for Christmas and make him a manly sized tray table. Do you happen to have a place where I can download a cut sheet? I've watched all 3 videos and never saw or heard the length of the legs, can you tell me, please?

[@DaveMedicus]

This is super late because I just got them out of my storage unit after my divorce. The legs measure 30" from bend to the cut tip. I hope that your tray came out nice and your son appreciated it. Thanks for watching.

[@colleenmarsters548]

great video, you explain and show things perfectly, have you been able to make a spec sheet yet?

[@DaveMedicus]

+Colleen Marsters No I haven't even been able to finish the project yet it has been too cold. I have it almost completely sanded just waiting to stain and finish it. I will try to add in a spec sheet into the last video. Thanks for watching and being patient.

[@tonyhampton6735]

Where can we get template for rounding legs

[@DaveMedicus]

I used a washer

[@tonyhampton6735]

@@DaveMedicus Thank you

[@jannaleethackeraywoodside542]

May I ask what this type of hardware is called? (not sure what to look for in Home Depot)

[@DaveMedicus]

I can’t remember exactly which ones I got but here’s a link to one similar at Lowe’s. I hope this helps you. www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-20-x-1-4-in-Bronze-Steel-Joint-Connector-Nut-4-Count/3013888?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-hdw-_-google-_-lia-_-126-_-fasteners-_-3013888-_-0&placeholder=null&gclid=CjwKCAjwz6_8BRBkEiwA3p02VSLa_3Tqgxtao-eZ3AJcSQDtCGqoiv0G4jG6EVIdt3Wt7Wp2pEBq2hoCi6EQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@jannaleethackeraywoodside542]

@@DaveMedicus Very helpful! Thanks for getting back so quickly :)

[@DaveMedicus]

@@jannaleethackeraywoodside542 no problem. We had good timing.

[@regantoliver3579]

Will Home Depot cut these pieces for me?

[@DaveMedicus]

They will cut them but I would not trust them at all. Their saws tear the wood and they don't really care if they are big or small on the measurements. Its best to do the cutting yourself. Thanks for watching.

[@jarrodwall2464]

Great video. I'm building a much larger one right now, more of a portable desk. How did you determine how much clearance to give between the rounded leg tops and the desk bottom. Does your desk bottom actually end up resting on the rounded leg tops or is the weight borne on the bolt?

[@DaveMedicus]

Jarrod Wall I made a template and tested the leg for clearance. The rounded part does not rest on the table on the hard mounted side however it is close. The side that slides does rest on the wood. Let me know if you have any other question. Thanks for watching.

[@anelson1914]

What’s the nuts you used for the leg henge?

[@DaveMedicus]

I dont know what they are called. They used to be a stock item at Home Depot. They are called on their website something like a furniture nut.

[@DaveMedicus]

www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-4-in-x-12-mm-Antique-Brass-Connecting-Cap-Nut-817918/204281643

[@phenomenal_woman]

Hi again Dave, do you mean replace the metal part down the middle with a piece of wood?

[@DaveMedicus]

Which part of the video are you talking about so I can better help you.

[@DaveMedicus]

I just saw your previous post. No I was talking about the bottom rod with a rectangle piece to give it more strength.

[@earllenington2192]

Great video. What size connector bolts did you use? Thanks.

[@DaveMedicus]

I believe they were 40mm in length to make up the thickness

[@phenomenal_woman]

Greetings Dave, I already have one of these tables and want to cover the top with wool to use as a pressing table, however it is wobbly and I want to make it more sturdy. Do you have any suggestions as to what I can add to correct the wobble?

[@DaveMedicus]

You can try and remove the rods and replace it with a 1x2 or 1x 3. Then attach it with screws to make it more rigid

[@faisalabdelwahid910]

ya but I need the tray size and where to drill holes

[@faisalabdelwahid910]

ya b

[@DaveMedicus]

I went over it in a later part. Sorry I never saw this comment. I hope you found them.

[@reeceprice]

Where did you get the hardware for the pivot points?

[@DaveMedicus]

Home Depot. Thanks for watching

[@typowell9142]

What size is the wood you used for this project? Are these pieces out of 1x2?

[@DaveMedicus]

Yes

[@Mw3LoV3r]

Hi, I’m just get crazy with this table, can u make one for me, of course, I know isn’t free...

[@DaveMedicus]

Mw3LoV3r I don’t currently have the resources to do it. Sorry.

[@Mw3LoV3r]

Dave Medicus , 😒..oh really...sorry to heard that, I could do by myself but , I don’t have resources too. I want it for my husband, he always loves to have dinner in front of tv. I thought it will be nice for him to have it. But thanks.

[@nelsondelvalle9181]

Where did you get the hardware from?

[@DaveMedicus]

Nelson Del Valle Home Depot

[@chrisharris7603]

Were you able to get together plans for this. Would love to make this a project for my week off next week. :)

[@DaveMedicus]

No I never did. All off the information that you need is in the videos.

[@cbharis]

Thank you sir. I think I can make this work. The wood stock you are using, is it 3/4" x 2" ?

[@DaveMedicus]

Yes sir that is correct. Let me know if you have any other questions during your project.

[@DaveMedicus]

yes

[@diegooolB]

What's the name/type of the screw used shown on minute 3:57?

[@DaveMedicus]

I don't know the name of the screws but they are all available at Home Depot in their drawers.

[@Fayct92]

Hello can you tell me how much the table legs measure? Thanks

[@DaveMedicus]

They are about 29-1/4" long from the tip to the curve. You measurements will be different depending on where you hole is drilled and the angle of your legs. I started off I believe with a 30" piece before the cuts were made. the measurement is in the video.

[@Fayct92]

Dave Medicus thanks u!! it was very difficult because my firts lengua is Spanish. Thanks you so much

[@DaveMedicus]

You are welcome. I hope that this helps.

[@mikayla8242]

Hey Dave, I am building on of these for my Woodshop class, and wanted to know the measurements of the stops, the rod, and the bar that guides the sliding rod. Please let me know asap Thanks!

[@DaveMedicus]

Hey check out other videos. All of your questions should be there. I don't have them with me at the time. I think it was like 16" but it should be in the rest of the videos. Sorry I'll get back with you if you can't find it. Let me know

[@mikayla8242]

Thank you so much!!

[@DaveMedicus]

Were you able to answer all of your questions?

[@MrIntensity35]

Hey man. I'm interested in building one is these for myself. What are the width and lengths (measurements) of the pieces of wood you used. snd what size bolts did you use.

[@DaveMedicus]

+Carl Huber The top is 19" x 24" before the edging. The bolts that I used are listed in the second video. I should be finishing this build this week (hopefully). I have been saying that for months now but I have been working 80 hours a week so my time has been spent sleeping. I am also planing on doing a review video of everything on this tray from sizes of pieces, fasteners, and after thoughts of the build. Thanks for watching.

[@bonnykennedy4857]

Great Video's, very informative, I plan on making a couple of these. I was just wondering if you did the review video of everything on this tray?

[@yoishak8678]

Do you sell the instructions

[@DaveMedicus]

Yo Ishak no I don’t. All of the information should be in the videos if you write it down as you watch you should be set. Thanks for watching. Any questions let me know.

[@colleenmarsters548]

Hi Dave, Are you able to tell me the size of the top of the tray please.

[@DaveMedicus]

+Colleen Masters sure thing. The top it 24" wide x 19" deep just for the top wood. I finished it up with a piece of 1/2" trim. You can use what ever you like but my wife and I have figured out that this is a perfect size.

[@DaveMedicus]

+Dave Medicus the next video is in the editing process and should be up when I have more free time. I have been working 70 hours a week.

[@COOLTHINGSTODOINLA]

Man, where did you learn all that stuff?

[@DaveMedicus]

+Steve Shkunda Well I went to school for carpentry but a lot of this stuff I learned by just looking at other projects. I can see where improvements need to be made and I make them on my projects. Its trial and error the first tray took about 5 times as long. lol Just do the research for every possible outcome and you should be able to complete it. You know how I was in the Marines. lol

[@user-do2xp3um7o]

What kind of wood did you use

[@DaveMedicus]

J 323 just oak from Home Depot. Thanks for watching.

[@jawherhaddad487]

je veux savoir les dimontions

[@DaveMedicus]

Regardez la prochaine vidéo. J'explique les mesures.

[@NormanStPeter]

What kind of screws did you use?

[@NormanStPeter]

Where did you get the screws?

[@DaveMedicus]

Home Depot. Sorry this comment went missing for a long time.

[@skybootguy2646]

What size wood are the legs themselves?

[@DaveMedicus]

I believe that they started out as 1" x 2" x 30" long. Real dimensions are 3/4" x 1-1/2". I do not have the trays with me to actually check. They are in a storage unit in Myrtle Beach.

[@skybootguy2646]

Thanks man! Very nicely done btw!

[@DaveMedicus]

Thank you. I hope that it helps.

[@ccccen]

how much you want for the cat? :)

[@DaveMedicus]

Carl Zorro actually only one of them is still alive.

[@ccccen]

Sorry to hear that, my girls are cat lover and one died and to my kid it was like losing a human.

[@COOLTHINGSTODOINLA]

when did you go to carpentry school?

[@DaveMedicus]

+Steve Shkunda It was in 2005-06 way before the Marine Corps. That was what I did before I joined. I had a small remodeling business and a lawn business. It was good money for a 21 year old.

[@COOLTHINGSTODOINLA]

Good work man!

[@sukhvirsingh9250]

In hindi mai

[@DaveMedicus]

Thanks for watching