IV. Framework
- Use the level to ensure that the space you picked out is perfectly flat (This is crucial in the building process).
- Lay out the two 10 ft x 2x8 boards and the two 7 ft x 2x8 boards (standing up) as in See Diagram IV.b. The two sides should be about 20 inches apart right now.
- Lay out the two 1 ft x 2x8 boards near the junctions. Drill four holes in the side boards and counter sink the upper two holes (so the carpet can be flush). Also, drill holes in the connector boards in the same place. Thread the 2.5 inch bolts into the upper holes and the 3.5 inch bolts into the lower ones, using washers on both ends. Screw on and tighten the nuts (See Diagram IV.c). Use the hacksaw to cut off the extra bolt length, if any.
- Place the struts, according to Diagram IV.d. Use the T-square to ensure that the struts make right angles with the side boards. Since the table is being made on the flat and level floor, the tops of the struts will be level too (even if they are not flush with the bottom of the [warped] side boards).
- Use the cordless drill to screw three 3" screws into both ends of each strut from the side boards. Use five screws for each side of the 4 x 4 strut. It often helps to pre-drill the holes before inserting screws.
- Place the level across two struts at a time on the left, right, and center of the table for all of the struts (See Diagram IV.f). If a particular strut is not level with the others, unscrew the strut and move it up and down or side to side until it becomes level. If the struts are still not level, use the sander to even them out. Be careful, however, to not take off too much.
