It’s metal month on MAKE, which doesn’t mean a Slayer-overload, it means it’s time to put on your Flashdance leotard and start welding. I’ve had this vintage typecase for months and I’ve been wanting to make it into a sweet new coffee table. Metalworking month is the perfect time to learn how to weld to create an industrial base for the table.
I went to the Madagascar Institute in Brooklyn, NY and learned the basics from Hackett who is a skilled expert. I am light years away from his skill level, and if you are too you can check out Make: Live Episode 14 to get a really helpful welding lesson. Check out the complete step-by-step tutorial over on Make: Projects.
Subscribe to the CRAFT Podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video directly, or watch it on YouTube or Vimeo.
Another easy addition to this table that really brought it up a few notches was getting a custom piece of glass cut for the top. I anticipated this being difficult and expensive, but it took less than 10 minutes and was $35.
Cost break-down:
- Scrap metal – free
- Typecase – (free for me because I live next to a letterpress, but for you…) $10-20
- Glass (custom cut) – $35
- Rubber stoppers – $3
- Liquid Nails – $3
Total: $51-61
If you can’t find a welding class, or prefer a more mid-century look, I am loving these hairpin legs that you can scoop up at a thrift store or on Ebay for under $20. They make any piece into an instant retro table!
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About the Author:
Meg Allan Cole is an actress, activist, DIYer, and founder of Enderby Designs. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her musician husband Will, rescue mutts Gracie & Milo, and bunny Linus Clyde. Meg blogs, has hosted home decor videos on Curbly, Etsy and created the show Decor It Yourself for Threadbanger. Check out the Meg Allan Cole Crafts YouTube page for all of her videos.
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