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Make a Typecase into a Coffee Table

Learn how to take a vintage typecase and make it into an industrial coffee table.

Make a Typecase into a Coffee Table

I visited Hackett at the Madagascar Institute here in Brooklyn, NY where he helped me weld legs and a base together. You can take a class at your local metal shop or watch Make: Live episode 14.

Steps

Step #1:

NextMake a Typecase into a Coffee TableMake a Typecase into a Coffee TableMake a Typecase into a Coffee TableMake a Typecase into a Coffee Table
  • Take a class at your local metal shop or watch Make: Live episode 14 to learn the basics of welding to create a table base and legs.

Step #2:

NextMake a Typecase into a Coffee Table
  • Or you can bypass welding altogether, and attach hairpin legs with screws.

Step #3:

NextMake a Typecase into a Coffee TableMake a Typecase into a Coffee TableMake a Typecase into a Coffee Table
  • Take your typecase or tabletop to your local glass store, or cut the glass yourself, using gloves and protective eye wear.

Step #4:

NextMake a Typecase into a Coffee Table
  • Wipe your newly welded legs and base down with some rubbing alcohol to clean it. Paint over it with Liquin to give it a lasting finish.

Step #5:

NextMake a Typecase into a Coffee TableMake a Typecase into a Coffee TableMake a Typecase into a Coffee Table
  • Attach felt pads to the bottom of the table legs to avoid scratching the floor.

Step #6:

NextMake a Typecase into a Coffee TableMake a Typecase into a Coffee TableMake a Typecase into a Coffee Table
  • Attach the tabletop to the legs with rivets or Liquid Nails. If you use Liquid Nails, clamp the table and legs together for several hours after applying.

Step #7:

Make a Typecase into a Coffee TableMake a Typecase into a Coffee TableMake a Typecase into a Coffee TableMake a Typecase into a Coffee Table
  • Fill your typecase with trinkets that you can change as often as you want. Add rubber pads to each corner, then place the glass on top.

Conclusion

Additional photography by Becky Stern.

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