Mother Builds a Butler Table

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MOTHER EARTH NEWS STAFF

The butler table was designed hundreds of years ago . . . no doubt to make it easy for “the help” to deliver milord and milady’s teatime victuals. It was, after all, a simple matter to load the table’s removable tray with goodies in the kitchen, and then deposit it — atop its waiting legs — before a hungry group of nobles.

Even today, in our self-serve society, antique reproduction butler tables are often found in American households. And, when you think about it, the convertible furnishings actually have dozens of potential uses . . . from serving breakfast in bed to transporting bowls of midnight popcorn. What’s more, we believe you’ll find that MOTHER EARTH NEWS’ mini-mobile groaning board is an uncomplicated but satisfying shop project . . . as well as a treat for the eyes!

Keep the Cost Down

Money-wise woodworkers buy large boards and divide them . . . instead of paying the added board-footage charge for cut-to-size lumber. For example, if you’re willing to rip two eight-foot 1 X 8’s into pieces of the proper size you can avoid the additional expense of having to buy two (closer-to-size) 1 X 4’s plus one 1X8.

Take It From the Bottom

  • Published on May 1, 1980
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