Dowel and spool coffee table

[Winnie10]

Made from an old cable spool and featuring half-round dowels, this coffee table is both stylish and functional. 

• The project
• More furniture inspiration for your home

The project

I made this coffee table out of a wooden cable spool and large half-rounded dowels. I took out the metal rods and cut out pieces of wood to fill the holes. I also cut a section out of the middle of the spool because it was too tall for a coffee table.

I used Selleys Liquid Nails Heavy Duty for the middle insert of the spool to hold it in place top and bottom, then added brackets on both ends inside for a firm hold. I applied the dowels using Liquid Nails as well.

There was a lot of sanding wood filler (to where I gained muscles!) as I had to use a nailer to hammer all the staples in. I also used wood filler around the top of the dowels as the spool is not perfectly round.

Tip: Get the first dowel straight and it’s all good from there.

It was a lot of work but I’m so happy with how it turned out.

 

 

More furniture inspiration for your home

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[mirandarama]

Hi Winnie! Just wondering how much you ended up spending on this project? Was just looking into making something like this but if my calculations are correct it becomes quite expensive, almost worth just buying one made?! Or have I calculated wrong?

Thanks!

Miranda

[Benskimo]

Nice one! That's a great use of something destined for landfill to be the bulk of the construction. How did you cut the dowels in half? 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @mirandarama. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about this wonderful project.

Let me mention @Winnie10, so they are alerted to your question. 

By my calculations, a project like this would be a considerable price. However, having a brief look at this table style, they range anywhere from $600 - $3500. $400 worth of materials doesn't sound too bad, and knowing you made it yourself is priceless.

We're keen to hear all about the projects that you have going on around your house and garden. Please let us know anytime you need assistance or have something to share.

Mitchell
 

[Jason]

Hi @Benskimo,

Thanks for your question. Let me tag @Winnie10 so she is alerted to your question of how to cut the dowels in half.  I'm sure @EricL will also be happy to share his thoughts about how he would cut them.

Jason

[EricL]

Hello @Benskimo

The dowels can be purchased already cut in half. If you look at the Porta Half Round Moulding you'll see that it comes in different sizes ready to go. You could reduce the cost of the project by cutting the table down to a smaller diameter. This means that you won't have to use as many dowels. 

Another method to re-create this look is by using pine panels and a few timber pieces secured to the centre to create the top and the bottom of the table. If you decide to give this project a go, any updates you can provide would be much appreciated.

If you need further assistance, please us know.

Eric

[LorenaDIYS]

Looks great