Terrarium Coffee Table Build
Cleancutwoodworking May 21, 2019
This table has been such a fun build. The client that I built it for asked me to make a coffee table that will hold their turtle. The top slides over one way and the bottom slides out the other so they have access to the inside for cleaning. It was built out of eastern red cedar and backed with plywood to make it more stable when it is pulled out. The inside is lined with vinyl to protect the wood. The top and bottom are simple drawer slides that allow for movement. The top sits about a 1/2 inch higher than the base so that the heat from the lights inside will have a way to escape. There is a magnetic lock on the table top so the bottom drawer and top can move independently and they can lock it when the top is pulled out. You can see the example in this video. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JgqLz3FqHrCuRQE6NWtiKRRFw77H01tf
The sides were built using tongue and groove.
This was the top all put together. That ruler was laid out just for reference to how large it actually is. Just over 6 feet long.
This is the glass frames, table top and sides all built up.
I used plywood to back the sides so that it would be more stable when pulling the entire drawer out.
Made the feet by gluing 4 cedar boards together and using a roundover bit on the router table to give then a nice profile.
This is the side profile where you can see the drawer and the stops that were attached so its not pulled out too far on the base.
I made the trim by using a profile bit on the router table.
Its starting to take shape here with the feet and trim attached.
The doors are installed and made by bookmatching panels then attached with euro hinges.
hand planing the bottom of the table before finish was applied.
Here you can see the how the drawer slides out and there is the magnetic lock for the top.
This is the top before finish was put on with the base in the background. The clamps are on there for gluing on the vinyl on the inside.
I added USB ports and switches on one side for the LED lights and magnetic lock.
Added USB ports and electrical outlet on this side for added tech convince.
Here is the preview of it after 3 coats of danish oil.
All finished up glamor shots! Glass installed and ready for delivery.
All finished up glamor shots! Glass installed and ready for delivery.
The table top slides out one way. All finished up glamor shots! Glass installed and ready for delivery.
The table top slides out one way. All finished up glamor shots! Glass installed and ready for delivery.
The table top slides out one way. All finished up glamor shots! Glass installed and ready for delivery.
The table top slides out one way and the bottom slides out the other way. All finished up glamor shots! Glass installed and ready for delivery.
The table top slides out one way and the bottom slides out the other way. All finished up glamor shots! Glass installed and ready for delivery.
The bottom slides out so they have access to the bottom for cleaning.
Cabinet side view.
Side view with the bottom pulled out.
All finished up glamor shots! Glass installed and ready for delivery.
All finished up glamor shots! Glass installed and ready for delivery.
