The last issue covered a utility project that converted a standard pallet into a portable work surface.

As it seemed like such a good idea, I produced a second one filling in the open spaces of the conventional pallet deck construction to make an almost seamless solid top surface so that it can be used for utility purposes. I modified the construction a bit for the second unit by allowing the deck boards of the pallet to extend slightly beyond the center stringer by about six inches. This gave me a slightly larger surface to work on.

Since we all seek to improve what we do from project to project, I decided that the scale of this item was just too heavy for use in any really formal setting. I then made a third version of this item by using a fresh pallet of the double entry type and removed the base boards and the heavier sections of the two remaining stringers. These modifications helped to scale it down a bit.

For those who may not know, a double entry pallet is one that has notches cut into the lower faces of the stringers so that the forks of the lift truck used to move them can get under the pallet from any of its four sides.

I also added lengths of similarly modified stringer material between the two remaining pallet stringers. While these do not add needed strength to the construction, it does serve to make it look like a more balanced design.

I then did not like the look of the shop sawhorses as supports at each end of this work surface so I cut four 2x2’s, as legs, and fastened them to the junctures of the modified stringers using ¼” carriage bolts and wing nuts. I also added a nailed-on 1x3 stretcher between the legs, at each end of the assembly. These stretchers are located about six inches above the feet of the legs.

So far, we have used this as an outdoor cooking surface to support a single-unit electric hot plate, a soft-drink bar and the fixings for an evening dinner on the patio. While certainly not sturdy enough to support a tap-dancer, that’s OK, as we really wouldn't know how to do that anyway. If need be, I can always add some stretchers in the other direction too, and then it should be strong enough for several other more substantial uses.

Have you noticed that multiple use items are always more satisfying to make? While multiple use items’ designs may have to be compromised for each of their possible uses, they can better justify the storage space you may have available for them. In fact, when properly designed and chosen, you may easily find a primary use for an item that will allow you to store it in plain sight and can then use it for other things as the need for them develop.

The conventional card table has earned a reputation as the classic single piece of furniture most homes have that is frequently pressed into use for many reasons. While it is known as a card table, as that is what it had been designed for, it has so many other uses that it should perhaps be renamed. It is often used as the site to work the jigsaw puzzle or as an extension of the kitchen table when holiday cooking demands more room. Being small and compact, it becomes the “kids” table when the family gathers for any celebration, and even then morphs into the dreaded reserved desk space when it is time to do the yearly income tax. I’ll bet you can easily add to this list as every family has its own unique way of life and use of even this most standard of household items.

See you next week!


© Jerry Buerge 2001