When a coffee table ISN'T a coffee table

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This week I built a coffee table that turns into a dining table in seconds! Plans for the build are on my website www.almfab.com/plans
Thanks Rockler for supporting my channel! Rockler products used in video
Rockler Taper/Straight Line Jig www.rockler.com/taper-straigh...
Rockler Portable Drill Guide www.rockler.com/rockler-porta...
Rockler Marking and Measuring Tool Pouch www.rockler.com/marking-and-m...
Rockler Sure Foot Bar Clamps www.rockler.com/surefoot-alum...
Rockler Router Table www.rockler.com/rockler-hpl-r...
Rockler Pro Lift Router Lift www.rockler.com/rockler-pro-l...
1/4” Round Over Bit www.rockler.com/roundover-bea...
Additional tools featured (affiliate links support the channel)
Shaper Origin Hand Held CNC www.shapertools.com/en-us/ori...
Totalboat 2-part Epoxy Resin www.totalboat.com/product-cat... Use code TotalALM22 for 10% off all Totalboat products
Festool Track Saw amzn.to/3hdYVmg
Festool Domino Jointer amzn.to/35lYAv7
Milwaukee M12 Drill and Driver amzn.to/3HiEzTl
DFM Tools Square amzn.to/3HmQZtz
GVS Half Mask Respirator amzn.to/3hfxt7B
Kutzall Rasp amzn.to/3HjdgZm
Flush Trim Templating Router Bit amzn.to/3si3BxF
Double Stick Carpet Tape amzn.to/3sl3y4v
Rubio Monocoat 2C Pure Wood Finish amzn.to/3heVNX8
Handi-shims amzn.to/3skAt9i
Adhesive Felt amzn.to/3tbhA7M
Table Saw Blades I use (affiliate links)
Note because I have a 3 hp saw I use “ industrial” 1/8” kerf blades. If you have a lower power saw you'll want to use "Thin Kerf" Blades.
Favorite all around table saw Blade
Industrial amzn.to/3J6oRwT
Cutting splines, crosscutting, and general usage | Freud 10” x 50T Combo Blade
Industrial amzn.to/31q5w56
Thin Kerf amzn.to/3cqIYHK
Ripping and milling | 10” x 30T Glue Line Ripping Blade
Industrial amzn.to/3w6Yv7B
Thin Kerf amzn.to/3svkLpg
Plywood | 10” x 80T Freud Ultimate Plywood Blade
Industrial amzn.to/3ssGjTr
Thin Kerf amzn.to/2NZf3NB
You can support the channel by joining the Patreon!
/ almfab

[@mojorizn72]

This build video is one of the best I’ve ever seen. I appreciate your humility and willingness to show your mistakes. New sub.

[@TheSturgoenfish]

He knocked off an antique table not much humility in claiming that someone else’s work is his own.

[@maverickhampton3580]

@@TheSturgoenfish still loved how he showed his setbacks and perseverance.

[@Jinx_Cole]

@@TheSturgoenfish Do you say that whenever you see someone make a chair, or bedframe, or shelves?

[@hetshepsuit]

@@TheSturgoenfish Do you have a link? I'd love to see that antique table.

[@reginabrandleramirez4698]

Ooo{oooo{oooooo)oowo

[@konanhuet623]

that moment at 18:30 when you just realised you'd overlooked an easy solution to a problem you had and you stand in disbelief over how you could miss that. Classic! love it

[@ZapAndersson]

My parents had a clever table from like the 60's that did this... you actually rotated the top surface 90 degrees, then you could pull it apart and put an extra piece in the middle. It could also be lifted up to be a higher table with a clever mechanism.... I should take some pictures (I still have it, but don't use it)

[@Fr0stbyte89]

Please do take pictures and post online. So many clever designs from the past that need to be documented and passed on.

[@Memo-sword]

Yeah please, where can we find the pictures?

[@index7787]

@@Fr0stbyte89 THIS, so much has been lost to time, there is a narrow window to preserve whats left of the past for an eternity the internet.

[@dottyjyoung]

Um, where are you? If you're within reasonable road trip distance, I'd love to come take video of it just to see how it works!

[@ZapAndersson]

@@dottyjyoung I'm in Sweden. But I can take a video no problem, if people are that curious about it :)

[@raila.5920]

I'm honestly unable to describe how much I like and want this kind of table in my living room. You did an amazing job and weren't it for my complete inability to do any type of wood working and my complete lack of tools in a two bedroom apartment... I'd make this immediately!

[@emma70707]

No kidding! I'm half tempted to get a quote from a local carpenter. It would be perfect for my studio. I have a coffee table that raises up but the mechanism is kinda clunky and the leaves are a game changer for usability.

[@VijayaBjoshi]

Inability is an excuse, don't try won't try. Borrow the tools and work in someone 's yard. many people out there ready to help.I allow my gardner to use my garage and euquiement/tools free of charge because he is learning and can't afford. Ask around sone one will be willing ... Goos luck

[@recoveringsoul755]

When I was in high school I took woodshop, and in the evening the school offered classes for adults, so you might be able to find classes for woodworking tools that gives you access to power tools. Try community centers and community colleges

[@VijayaBjoshi]

@@recoveringsoul755 Hello, You are from UK or USA

[@JohnVanderbeck]

I'd been looking for a table like this for YEARS to put outside in my courtyard where I have limited space and want both a casual coffee table and table for eating meals. Companies do make them but I've honestly never found a good one :(

[@LegacyCraftworks]

Man, this build was really inspiring all the way from prototyping to the final creation. Absolutely beautiful!

[@TheSturgoenfish]

It’s not his design. He knocked off Literally every feature, every dimension off of an antique table that I just so happen to own.

[@musicbro8225]

@@TheSturgoenfish what kind of sower grapes are these anyway?

[@fbridge]

I own one too - it's a Danish design from the 1960s. I remember doing my homework on it then and broke one of the extended leaves by leaning on it too hard.

[@eh3010]

I don't think I've ever regretted living in an apartment and not having space for a workshop and tools more than right now. I LOVE that table so much.

[@jeremybristol4374]

Amazing work. Looks beautiful. I’d love to see a murphy-desk. Maybe something that looks like a wall-mounted mirror when closed but opens to a drafting table. Cork-board on the inside for working sketches, pencils and marker storage etc. Having a drafting table in a small space is challenging.

[@chrisdavis1722]

This is stunning! Thanks for showing all of us this project. Looking forward to the next one. Great job 👍

[@JTWoodworks]

You're going to have this table for a looong time. So much attention to detail and all that work paid off. It looks so good!! Also love the intro sequence with the prob lens shots

[@kille7543]

Beautifull work ❤️ We call that kind of pull a Dutch pull, here in Denmark. You should give the inner sides of the extra plates ( the side plates/ bords) that you pull out, a HOLLOW finish so they are snug with the edge of the main table plate, thats what make it even more perfect. 🤗 ❤️ from the 62 year old girl in Denmark

[@peterthill]

What a beautiful build. Thx for showing!

[@theothermarshal]

Such an amazing process and it's been wonderful to see this go from prototype to the finished version. Thanks for taking us along this journey with you!

[@sweetpotatoes1749]

This is incredible. Loved watching the first iteration and the final version is just stunning. I really look forward to building this soon and pray I can do half as well as you!!!!!!

[@evans_workshop]

Michael - Absolutely beautiful build! I enjoyed watching every minute of it. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[@soursofke]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing. I enjoy the way you show your problem solving on your builds.

[@JoeHTX]

Fantastic build! A beautiful table that anyone would, or should, be proud to have in their home!

[@claypalmer9930]

Holy cow the amount of work put into this video is incredible!! And providing plans is just going above and beyond, this video deserves a lot of views man.

[@andrhamm]

Oooo love that new intro!

[@amyseloover2053]

What a gorgeous work of art! Love the walnut.

[@jeffkealy]

This put me in such a calmed, good mood this Friday morning. Thanks! The table awesome, of course.

[@MitchellRoman97]

This is one of the nicest tables I have ever seen. With you much going on it still has a sleek simple form and look to it and doesn't look messy. I love it so much.

[@chris_hertford]

Hi I am new to your channel looks like I found the perfect video to start! Just to say the craftsmanship was excellent, really amazing final piece. But also the quality of the filming and production of the video is great, good pace, good detail and clear voice over. Look forward to watching more!

[@larcomj]

Awesome video, its great to see V2 of this table turned out great. Gotta say i like the new intro video, those shots looking through the patterned plywood...... brilliant

[@Balanced_Grain]

Absolutely incredible Michael! Love the end design and the new intro!!!

[@alans1816]

This looks great! I liked the first one, but knew it still needed work. This looks like you fixed the problems, and have a beautiful, useful, and solid result.

[@michaelstockdale]

This is an awesome build! I just ordered the plans (you should charge more). I appreciate the level of detail and the tenacity you showed to get everything just right! I plan to make one of these for my daughter for Christmas! I look forward to whatever you throw yourself into next!

[@christophermccaig6160]

What an absolutely beautiful piece of work. Incredible craftsmanship and so inspiring, well done!

[@Alakay77]

Wow! Thanks for your generosity in sharing your process and plans!

[@SeraphimKnight]

Oh man this is an incredible piece... I would love to have one of these in my living room! A much more elegant solution than folding tables.

[@yael9137]

Not even a carpenter and I found this fascinating! Almost shocking that you would offer such an incredible design plan out for everyone (extremely generous!) because I’m sure just the design itself could have huge value.

[@djmond3497]

I absolutely love this table! Walnut is beautiful! Excellent!

[@Rob_Anthony]

Wow, just spectacular. Great job my man. Thank you for sharing.

[@JP-mq7pg]

True perseverance Michael, within the build and in the problem solving. Liked the cereal box jig fix and was thankful as you probably were that the veneer fix of the bridal joint didn't fracture on you. Beautiful work

[@TheSturgoenfish]

It’s not his design. He knocked off Literally every feature, every dimension off of an antique table that I just so happen to own.

[@lorelando7413]

About 8:20, I've had a teacher who explained that when you cut wedges, you have to absolutely make sure the tip can't get wedged between the sawblade and the table. He had to ´throw away a sawblade as it got bent when a wedge got stuck. In your setup it looks fine, as the clearance between blade and table is quite small, but I'd still recommend cutting the wedge the other way around, so the tip lands on a solid surface.

[@MichaelAlm]

Good to know, thanks!

[@imm311]

Incredible build! God bless you and yours!

[@4MarkyMark4]

One of the most impressive woodworking projects I’ve ever seen. Intricate and unique.

[@jasonsummit1885]

Don't know if you've already built one, but my mom has a chair that converts into a short step ladder. It's really simple but I like it. This table you made is absolutely amazing and beautiful, and I don't have any more words to describe it but wow.😮

[@animeloveer97]

I just use chairs as the stepladders lmao 🤣

[@reamoved8946]

Looks amazing!!! U can route pockets on the underside of the leaves to act as handles to make the pulling force on them more consistent and centered

[@daviddeking2676]

Great design and a beautiful piece of furniture. Thanks for sharing!

[@yobgodababua1862]

Thanks so much for taking through that journey. It's enjoyable to watch someone craft a beautiful object and intriguing to see how a transformable table like this goes together, but really educational to walk through the process and the false paths and the errors. Thanks again for including all of that.

[@TheSturgoenfish]

It’s not his design. He knocked off Literally every feature, every dimension off of an antique table that I just so happen to own. The false paths and errors were scripted. The final piece is Literally the original antique design without all his random modifications to make it look like he came up with the end product on his own.

[@yobgodababua1862]

@@TheSturgoenfish That makes me sad.

[@alexreith4877]

This is gorgeous. I suggested it before, but I really feel like this could be an initial starting design for a convertible sitting-to-standing desk if there's a way to make the lift action even and stable so that you don't need to empty the top in order to raise it.

[@WilliamRoycoaching]

exactly my line of thought. Whithout the leaves, the top would be easier to lift and put down, basically, you have to work around the frame to have a sturdy enough one and make those folding arms.(easier said than done)

[@TheSturgoenfish]

It’s not his design. He knocked off Literally every feature, every dimension off of an antique table that I just so happen to own.

[@g.cosper8306]

@@TheSturgoenfish Nothing is new. Everything has been invented before and we are just refining.

[@scoobygoober5379]

@@TheSturgoenfish no one cares

[@annekevanwyk4975]

I really like how you adjust as you go. Awesome!

[@BluesmaNeedham]

I love that form wasn't sacrificed for function in this build! It looks beautiful and is incredibly functional. As always, excellent work!!

[@kentlovelace4108]

Fun to watch you problem solve your way through this project. I admire your craftsmanship and dedication to excellence!

[@MichaelAlm]

Thank you! 🙌

[@xof-woodworkinghobbyist]

Very well done. A great mix of engineering and woodworking, I love it! I checked your website, and I believe $14.99 for the plans is not expensive enough for the work you did. Very inspiring project!

[@TheSturgoenfish]

It’s not his design. He knocked off Literally every feature, every dimension off of an antique table that I just so happen to own.

[@justinroysdon2630]

@@TheSturgoenfish did your table come with plans? The work he did was reconstructing (probably more than a few improvements) and making usable plans. Improving on a design and then drafting plans is impressive.

[@Reign_In_Blood_963]

Nice build. Awesome as always.

[@Bioluvskatz]

An awesome coffee/dining table. GREAT JOB!

[@toby9426]

I've been waiting with baited breath for this day ever since the prototype! I even took my own crack at reverse engineering it from the first video and auction photos of the original tables but ran out of time after getting stumped on the arms under the leaves for a while. Very excited to get my hands on the plans. Congrats on the beautiful table!

[@TheSturgoenfish]

It’s not his design. He knocked off Literally every feature, every dimension off of an antique table that I just so happen to own. He didn’t prototype anything he scripted it from a finished product.

[@toby9426]

@@TheSturgoenfish Yup that's why this is the second video in his two part series where he is explicitly and openly remaking an elevator table. Congrats on already owning one.

[@scoobygoober5379]

@@TheSturgoenfish 🤡🤡🤡

[@a.7642]

Wow, this is incredible, Michael! I rarely do any wood projects but I love watching them, so I buy plans from my favorite creators when I can. After seeing all the R&D for this project, I can't believe these plans are only $15! That's a steal!

[@TheSturgoenfish]

It’s not his design. He knocked off Literally every feature, every dimension off of an antique table that I just so happen to own. So yes it is a steal. A copycat stealing a design to resell to people who don’t know obscure furniture.

[@a.7642]

@@TheSturgoenfish Okay, first, watch literally the first 30 seconds of part one. He didn't invent the design and doesn't claim to. He DID recreate it from nothing more than photos. That's incredibly difficult. And besides, even if I could go buy this table somewhere, that's completely different from buying plans for it. Please stop embarrassing yourself.

[@simplyraw1369]

I agree fully with ALL that you commented on here!!

[@Njao6q4vrv73]

This is one of the best table and video online!

[@kennethvogt9379]

I’ve been looking for a build video on this specific application for ages. Thank you!

[@shinnick22]

My favorite part was the realization that the pocket hole answer was so simple. I’ve been doing carpentry for decades and 4-5 times a year that happens to me.

[@TheSturgoenfish]

It’s not his design. He knocked off Literally every feature, every dimension off of an antique table that I just so happen to own. The “pocket hole mistake” was scripted the solution was already in the piece that he copied the design from.

[@simplyraw1369]

@@TheSturgoenfish OMG! You seem a bit jealous. He did a great job even IF this design is not an original! The tutorial alone is valuable.

[@fiercegirldesign1]

Hey Michael! This build, and the previous iterations of it, is incredible! Not only do you have mad skills, but you’re humble enough to walk us through all of the hiccups and struggles you faced while you worked out the build. It’s incredibly helpful (and just plain interesting!) to see your entire process of problem solving. Thank you for taking the time to explain everything. The table is beautiful!

[@fbridge]

It's not his design - he nicked it from a model of Danish design in the 1960s. The brass neck of someone openly publishing this on the Internet and thinking that no one would notice!!!

[@Rygir]

Dark and light! I really enjoyed your openhearted talk and really great tips!

[@marianam8643]

This is so beyond anything I can even conceive of doing, I applaud you. So enjoyable. Beautiful table.

[@sacwriter7400]

I've always loved the versatility of 'foldable furniture'. I'm curious, have you ever seen a Fletcher capstan table?

[@Texburrito03]

This is straight-up brilliant. Great video work as well. Nice job! Quickly becoming my favorite woodworking channel.

[@jennlizzy2019]

This build is a masterwork. Bravo.

[@josh_watson]

I was wondering if you'd ever make it back around to this project. Glad to see it now. Cheers!

[@TheMimzez]

this is such a cool idea! I really like that there is a minimal amount of screws, it really makes the design look so smooth

[@bswtsp21]

Absolutely lovely result.

[@tighecrovetti2844]

So gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.

[@LewHarriman]

Man, I think you've really created enduring classic here. Very elegant both visually and mechanically, and very functional. (Awfully tricky to make, but oh so worth it!)

[@mom-says-not-today]

What BEAUTIFUL workmanship!! 😍

[@deejcarter2003]

Wow, this is absolutely beautiful, functional, and elegant.

[@chadthomas116]

I love your way of going through the logic of issues you are working. Nice!

[@jengineer9405]

This is so dope man. Congrats to you for finally bringing it all together and finishing it.

[@isiltar]

I have so much admiration for people who can build stuff like this

[@gracefulkimberella]

Thank you! It's amazing and beautiful!!

[@gypsyqueen3806]

What an awesome table!!! You did such an amazing job on it!!! I can definitely appreciate your attention to the fine details!!! I wish I has the knowledge and tools to make my own!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@jsharik2466]

I love convertible and Murphy furnitures. Your video is so satisfying to watch.

[@simplyraw1369]

Wonderful craftsmanship! I appreciate that you took the time to pay attention to all the little details; for it is the combined that creates the whole! This is quality. Thanks my friend I enjoyed this.

[@happytrails.]

Wow that is so cool! Looks very smooth too, aesthetically, and no sharp corners or edges. It pretty much covers everything you could possibly want to do, coffee table, desk, eating table, board games, puzzles etc. Looks like you could probably adjust it without taking everything off the top (like leave light non breakable items), and it looks like you don't have to really move it out or around much to expand it. Pretty sweet table.

[@DH-ds5mg]

Love the blue tape funnel, great idea

[@TheSchnook]

I just love how 0:40 is literally a “ba dum tis”… pure unintentional comedy gold.

[@fuzzyeagles]

template routing is just so satisfying to watch.

[@pampam2dapam]

Gorgeous! And yes, love Rubio I'd use every last drop as well.

[@simenmller8539]

Wow, i really apreciate the effort put innto this build!

[@taleandclawrock2606]

What a fantastic, elegant, durable, multifunctional piece of furniture. Outstanding.

[@jagdishprasadkhaitan4815]

I love watching your lovely designed coffee table.

[@MojoPup]

Beautiful, just beautifully simple! Nice video

[@johna2022]

Really enjoyed watching you build this table, mistakes and all. Best of all you have shown me a new (to me) tool line, the Rocker tools look great and I can't to to use them. Thank you for the great production!

[@lambert4208]

thanks for this beautiful video micheal, the actual video it self is such a masterpiece, and the tablee also, your a true artist keep up your good work we all love you so much !

[@skyriser347]

That looks amazing! I've seen a few people that make a picnic table that folds into 2 benches when not in use as a table.

[@seanhoude]

Loved the dowel jig. It's basically a pencil sharpener. Definitely gonna make use of that trick in the future. Thanks!

[@MrFinn]

As always...Incredible!

[@johnniewalker39]

Beautiful! Thank you.

[@carlosarredondo2589]

WOW! What a beauty. This is just amazing

[@thatsnice6948]

Beautiful result, as always ;) Greetings from Ieper, Belgium!

[@scotthampton913]

I love the leaf design. I'm thinking of using this in my garage shop for work tops.

[@henriborsboom]

Thanks for sharing your learning experience. This is the same type of problems that I tend to run in and your explanations are helpful

[@itammarakam8836]

Woow the best wood project i've ever seen!

[@tofubrofu]

Absolutely brilliant build man.

[@cs3742]

You are a marvel! Genius is talent plus PERSISTANCE!

[@nancybridegam6903]

So beautiful!

[@supredeep]

Beautifully done.

[@ktkrogstad]

Incredible work and great editing / explaining / storytelling. You have earned yourself a new subscriber based solely on the quality of this video! Looking forward to checking out more of your projects.

[@ericjohn3664]

Wow, Michael. Very impressive design and a beautiful final product. You can be very proud, indeed.

[@243WW]

Thanks for the great info. Plans bought! 👍😊

[@mimimitchell8551]

I have been looking for a table just like this for our new small house. Thanks so much for this video. 🎉