How to make trestles

Trestles are easy to make as a DIY projects and great to have around the house.

 

Use them as table support for indoors or outdoors, or use them in the workshop.

YOU WILL NEED:

To make one trestle - pine cut to the following sizes -
[2] 20 x 50 x 600mm (tops)
[4] 20 x 50 x 650mm (legs)
[2] 20 x 50 x 400mm (struts)
[2] 180 degree steel brackets
[16} 8mm dowels
Wood glue
Length of thick nylon rope
Tools: Drill plus bit slightly wider than rope and 8mm bit, screws and screwdriver.

HERE'S HOW:

1. At the top of each leg and at either end of the struts measure in 15mm and drill 8mm holes to a depth of 15mm. To ensure accurate drilling to this depth, use the drill stop, or mark the drill bit with masking tape at 15mm.

2. Add a drop of wood glue to each hole and insert an 8mm dowel.

3. One each leg measure up 200mm and drill a hole slightly larger than the diameter of the nylon rope.

4. On the inside of each leg measure up 190mm and 210mm; mark and drill 8mm holes to a depth of 15mm. Add a small amount of wood glue to the edges of the struts and affix to the inside of the legs.

5. On the top measure in 65mm and 86mm; mark and drill 8mm holes to a depth of 15mm. Add a small amount of wood glue to the top of each leg and affix the tops to the legs.

6. Now you have two sections. These are joined together at the top with 180 degree metal brackets. To finish off, spread the legs no wider than 45 degrees and insert the nylon rope through the predrilled holes. Tie at knot at either end and lightly singe with a lighter or matches so that the nylon melts together to make the know secure.