Table Project

Before the meeting:

1. Identify adults in the den who are handy with tools and could assist, either by bringing additional tools or help with the den meeting.
2. Gather the supply and safety items needed, enough for each Cub Scout.
3. Notify parent or legal guardian to ensure that Cub Scouts wear close toe shoes.
4. Secure additional adult supervision as needed.
5. Purchase materials. 
6. Secure a safe meeting location to give plenty of space for Cub Scouts to work on their project.  
7. Print a copy of the Table Blueprint for each Cub Scout.
8. Build a table to use as an example.

During the meeting:

1. Explain to Cub Scouts that they will be building a table using their engineering skills. The instructions are their blueprint.
2. Ask them to gather their supplies. They should ask themselves:
   1. What building materials do I need?
   2. How much of each item do I need?
   3. What materials can be shared?
3. Have each Cub Scout, work with an adult and complete the following.
   • Cut the Wood
     Measure and pencil mark the 2×4 board at 22 inches per piece, and mark off 4 pieces. Use speed square to create a straight line for cut. These are the legs. Mark one end of each piece as the bottom.
     Measure and pencil mark the 2×4 board at 20 ½ inches per piece, and mark off 4 pieces. Use speed square to create a straight line for cut. These are horizontal support rails for legs.
     Measure and pencil mark the 1×10 board at 22 inches per piece, and mark off 2 pieces. Use speed square to create a straight line for cut. These are the bottom shelf.
     Measure and pencil mark the 1×12 board at 23 inches per piece, and mark off 2 pieces. Use speed square to create a straight line for cut. These are the tabletop.
   • Build the legs
     Recommended that holes be pre-drilled with 7/64th or 3/32 bit.
     Mark 2 spots on bottom of each leg, 2 ¼ inch from bottom.
     Mark 2 spots on top of each leg, ¾ inch from top.
     Attach top rail flush with the end of the top leg using 2 nails.
     Attach bottom rail 1 ½ inches from bottom of the leg using 2 nails.
     This is one leg with two rails.
     Turn the piece upside down and attach the other leg.
     This creates one leg assembly. Repeat these steps to create the second leg assembly.
   • Add Shelves
     Stand both legs assemblies up about 22 inches apart. Extra hands are helpful.
     Set one piece of the 2×10 between the legs, flush to one side. Attach with nails or glue. Use 3 nails for each end of each board, 2 inches from the end of the shelf.
     Tip: put one nail on each end of first board. Then use measuring tape to make sure make sure bottom of both leg assemblies are the same distance apart. Then add second nail. It is OK to keep measuring.
     Repeat with the other 2×10. There might be a small gap between the boards. If using glue, put a simple bead of glue where wood will attach on bottom rail, and spread out with your finger. Try not to use too much glue.
     Set both pieces of 2×12 on top. Adjust to have about a ½ inch overhang on each end and flush with the sides. Most importantly make sure the boards are flush together in the middle. Attach with nails or glue 2 inches from the end of the top. Use 3 nails for each end of each board. If using glue, put a simple bead of glue where wood will attach on top rail, and spread out with your finger. Try not to use too much glue.
     Tip: put one nail on each end of first board. Then use measuring tape to make sure make sure tops of both leg assemblies are the same distance apart. Then add second nail.
4. Sand and finish the table with paint or stain as desired.
5. Have Cub Scouts evaluate their table:
   • Did the project turn out as I expected?
   • What would I do differently next time?
   • What three things did I learn when I designed and built my project?
   • What am I most proud of about my project?