- 1). Cut the 4x4 into four pieces (each piece should be 23 ¼ inches long, which leaves space for your kerf, and puts the table top at the right height). Give the legs an initial sanding.
- 2). Cut two 1x4s into four pieces for the table frame, which will form a border around the plywood table top. Cut the pieces into two lengths: two pieces a little over 24 inches and the other two should be a little over 48 inches. (In other words, the inside corners of the miters should be 24 inches and 48 inches so that they fit nicely around the 2'x4' piece of plywood.) Make a mitered frame out of these boards by cutting each end at 45 degrees and fitting them together in a box shape. Check for square and make any necessary adjustments.
- 3). This box should completely frame the 2'x4' piece of plywood. Lay a ½-inch spacer (like scraps of plywood) on top of the workspace, then set the plywood on top of it solidly. This ½" will provide a lip for the train table. Now, fit the frame around the table top. Apply glue to all surfaces, clamp them in place and nail.
- 4). Attach the 4x4 legs. Still working with the tabletop upside-down, glue the legs (top and sides down to the bottom of the frame) to the table taking care to position them flush against the bottom side of the tabletop. Clamp and nail them securely.
- 5). Finish by sanding and finishing with either linseed oil, or a light coat of polyurethane varnish. Let dry and your train table is ready for use.
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