Materials:4x8 sheet of 3/4" MDF (medium density fiberboard)
circular saw
dowel compass
jigsaw
combination or belt sander
router
clamps
pencil
ruler
drill
drywall screwsSteps:
1. To make a 36-inch diameter table, cut the MDF in two pieces, one 59 inches long and the other 37 inches long to make it easier to work with. Draw a 36-inch circular top on the smaller piece using a dowel compass set at 18 inches. Use a jigsaw to cut the circle out. Since the jigsaw can be slightly wavy, cut slightly outside the line.
2. To soften the cut line, set up a combination sander to the same height as your bench. Position it close enough so that the tabletop can be set on the bench for support, and then rotate the board to sand down to the line.
3. Router the top edge for a nice curve so the tablecloth will fall softly over the edge.
4. The base is made of two identical pieces--one with a groove at the top and the other with a groove at the bottom, which allows the two pieces to slide together for a sturdy X-shaped support. Cut two 29-1/4" x 30" rectangles out of the remaining piece of MDF.
5. To give the base a little interest, measure and mark four inches down from the top and the bottom on both edges of each piece. Place the circular tabletop on the marks to draw a soft curve on the outer edges of the legs. Cut the curves out with the jigsaw.6. Lay one panel on top of the other and clamp the two together. Find center in both directions and draw in the 3/4-inch groove halfway down the panel, running parallel to the curved edges. Once the grooves are cut, the two base pieces will go together to form the base.
7. Center the tabletop on the base, and then attach it using drywall screws.
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