This table was recently commissioned and constructed for an imaginative client in Vinings, Ga.  The table was a replacement table for an old table that had long out lived itself.  The client requested a simple table, that was sized to accept a commercially available table cover; however, wanted a few specialty items.  1) was a hidden yet, removable cooler, 2) a recessed granite surface for hot plates, etc. 3) a custom cutting board.  The catch….the cutting board is mounted to a custom, flip top that allows the user to flip it up when needed and flip it down when not in use.  Having a flip up cutting board is a unique feature and presented a bit of a “wood engineering” dilemma.  Plan A was to utilize strong, rare earth magnets.  One set was to be mounted to to the pivot frame while a second set was to be recessed to the underside of the cutting board.

Plan A was great in concept, but it simply didnt work.  When pivoting the cutting board, the magnets were simply not strong enough…Back to the drawing board.

Ultimately, Plan B, and the one that I should have thought of in the first place was to utilize a simple system of biscuits, and hand made, pivoting locking mechanisms (made from purple heart).  Bottom line…Plan B worked like a charm once I figured out how to do it.

A few other notes about the table…When the cooler is in place, I had to make room for the handle to spin…allowing for removal.  That created a space between the table and the edge of the cooler.  That looked bad and was a “trash trap.”  To solve this, I built an easily removable tray that can be used for grilling tools, matches, bottle openers…what have you.  Beyond that, I used a different design for the top, simply because I was tired of doing the same thing.  This design uses a “half lap” joint at the corners and picture frames the top.

The entire table is made out of premium grade cedar….every piece of it.  Each and every screw hole is countersunk and filled with a shop made plug (made from reclaimed redwood).

Bottom line, this table was a blast to build, and a challenging twist to my normal table.

The client is exceptionally happy….

Thanks for viewing!