The train / lego table
I came up with an idea last week to convert Sam's train table into a Lego table. He doesn't use the trains at all so I convinced him that the parts can go into bins (which will eventually leave the house). I then removed the table from his bedroom and replaced our coffee table with it. The coffee table will go into the attic when Chris comes home next week. This is one of the times I REALLY miss having a basement.
The train side stays intact. The Lego boards will attach to the under side.
This is what it looks like with everything removed.
The materials include 3/8" pretty plywood, 2 pieces of 2x2 board, and 2 lengths of simple molding.
After sanding, I attached the molding as guides for the 6 plastic tubs that will hold the Legos.
I had to use small brats so needle nose pliers were required to save my fingers.
Sam helping me. Virginia was the photographer.
The plans.
The 2x2's were required because the beams in the center of the table were lower than the ones on the edge.
Everything glued and fastened in place. I then sanded the surface and applied 5 or 6 layers of varnish.
In order to get the Lego plates to align correctly, I had to make sure they were fastened together with Lego blocks. I made sure the 2 panels of train board were clamped together so they plates wouldn't move. I didn't want to cut any of the Lego plates so I painted the gap areas with the kids' finger paints.
I ended up using a water based adhesive to attach the plates. I will find out over time if this was a good choice. Many people and web sites suggested using a glue for plastics but I had this on hand and it has proved to be a strong adhesive so I went with it. If it fails, I will use Gorilla glue or something like it.
Placing the plates down took some strategy. I did 2 plates on one side and 1 plate on the other first and then did the others about 30 minutes later. This was to give the glue time to set. I didn't want to disturb the pattern. After I positioned the plates, I made sure to reattach the Lego blocks to keep them in place. After all of the gluing was complete, I placed heavy items on top.
Time to put everything together. The base went on first. I didn't nail it down. Instead, I made some lips on the inside with extra 2x2 material. This will make it easier in the future if I need to tear it down to move or if we sell it.
Then the tubs were placed inside.
And the table is complete. Now the kids can build to their hearts content. And if they want to play with the train side, they can do that, too.
Well, that was my Lego table odyssey. It was fun but I wish I had come up with the idea before school was out. Far too many helpers around.
The train side stays intact. The Lego boards will attach to the under side.
This is what it looks like with everything removed.
The materials include 3/8" pretty plywood, 2 pieces of 2x2 board, and 2 lengths of simple molding.
After sanding, I attached the molding as guides for the 6 plastic tubs that will hold the Legos.
I had to use small brats so needle nose pliers were required to save my fingers.
Sam helping me. Virginia was the photographer.
The plans.
The 2x2's were required because the beams in the center of the table were lower than the ones on the edge.
Everything glued and fastened in place. I then sanded the surface and applied 5 or 6 layers of varnish.
In order to get the Lego plates to align correctly, I had to make sure they were fastened together with Lego blocks. I made sure the 2 panels of train board were clamped together so they plates wouldn't move. I didn't want to cut any of the Lego plates so I painted the gap areas with the kids' finger paints.
I ended up using a water based adhesive to attach the plates. I will find out over time if this was a good choice. Many people and web sites suggested using a glue for plastics but I had this on hand and it has proved to be a strong adhesive so I went with it. If it fails, I will use Gorilla glue or something like it.
Placing the plates down took some strategy. I did 2 plates on one side and 1 plate on the other first and then did the others about 30 minutes later. This was to give the glue time to set. I didn't want to disturb the pattern. After I positioned the plates, I made sure to reattach the Lego blocks to keep them in place. After all of the gluing was complete, I placed heavy items on top.
Time to put everything together. The base went on first. I didn't nail it down. Instead, I made some lips on the inside with extra 2x2 material. This will make it easier in the future if I need to tear it down to move or if we sell it.
Then the tubs were placed inside.
And the table is complete. Now the kids can build to their hearts content. And if they want to play with the train side, they can do that, too.
Well, that was my Lego table odyssey. It was fun but I wish I had come up with the idea before school was out. Far too many helpers around.