DIY Industrial Factory Cart Coffee Table (Plans by Rogue Engineer)

I am so excited to share with you my latest project, an industrial factory cart coffee table!  The Shanty 2 Chic sisters teamed up with the Rogue Engineer to put together plans for this table.  When I came across their post it was love at first sight!  The project is pretty easy to build, and in this post I will go over the steps I took to create the coffee table.

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to create the industrial factory cart coffee table.  Check out the Rogue Engineer’s plan for a more detailed listing.

• Kreg Jig (for joining boards)
• Kreg Right Angle Clamps
• Japanese Hand saw and Guide
• Rockwell JawHorse
• 8 in. Swivel Steel Caster (4)
• Charles Neil Pre-Color Conditioner – To prevent blotching
• ECOS Paints Woodshield Stain (British Chesnut) – There is seriously no smell with this stuff.
• ECOS Paints WoodShield Varnish (Satin)

Building the Coffee Table

Step 1:  Cut the boards to the appropriate length.

My husband and I cut all the boards with our Japanese handsaw.  Cutting through the 2×8 boards was quite the workout!

Step 2:  Drill pocket holes.

Next up, we used our Kreg Jig and created a ton of pocket holes.

Step 3:  Assemble the top.

We screwed the 2×8 boards together to create the top of coffee table.  We made sure the wood rings alternated directions to prevent the table top from bowing.

Step 4:  Attach the sides.

We framed the coffee table top with 2×6 boards.  The Kreg right angle clamp was really useful at this step.

 

Step 5:  Install supports

Next, we installed the coffee table supports!  For this step, the mallet was our best friend.   We had to squeeze our 2×4 supports inside of the coffee table’s frame.

Step 6: Lots of sanding

We spent a good part of the day sanding the table.  We cycled through grits 40, 60, 80, 100, 150 and 220.

Finishing the Coffee Table

Step 1:  Apply pre-stain conditioner.

Before applying the stain, I coated the table with Charles Neil Pre-Color Conditioner to prevent blotching.

Step 2:  Apply the stain

Next up, I applied one coat of ECOS Paint Woodshield Stain in British Chesnut.  I love the results with Woodshield.   This is my fourth project using the stain. (Check out my homemade growth chart, vintage step stool, and dining room bench to see the stain in different colors.)

Unfortunately, my quart of Spiced Pecan was a casualty in the project.  I had planned on using this color for the project. Just as I was about to get started staining,  I tripped and spilled the entired quart onto my patio.  Oh the horror!  I didn’t have a chance to use that color on a project.  We were able to clean up the mess with the pressure washer and little bit of Simple Green cleaner.

Step 3:  Seal the table

I sealed the coffee table with a few layers of ECOS Paint WoodShield Satin Varnish.

Step 4:  Spray paint the hardware black

I spray painted the brackets, screws and caster wheels with Rust-Oleum Universal Flat Black spray paint.

Step 5:  Install the hardware

Finally, I installed the corner brackets and the caster wheels.  I did need to purchase special driver bits to screw in the hex screws.

The Finished Coffee Table

I am so in love with my new coffee table. It the perfect addition to my living room.  My only regret is that I did not purchase a pair of caster wheels with brakes. The little guy in the house enjoys rolling the table around!