DIY: How to Make a Lazy Susan in 5 Simple Steps
If you’re looking for an easy and fun project to do at home, making a lazy susan may just be the perfect activity for you. A lazy susan is a rotating tray that sits on a base, and it’s a great addition to your dining table, kitchen counter, or even your home office. Making a lazy susan requires minimal tools and materials, and it’s a project that can be done in just a few hours.
To begin the project, you will need to gather some materials such as a plywood or MDF board, a circular plate, bearings, and some screws and glue. Once you have the materials, the next step is to cut the board and the circular plate to the desired size and shape. You will then need to attach the bearings to the board and the plate, and finally, glue them together. With a little patience and creativity, you can make a beautiful and functional lazy susan that you can use and enjoy for years to come.
Materials You Need for Making Lazy Susan
When you’re making a lazy susan, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials first. You’ll need:
1. A circular piece of wood or plywood for the base
2. A smaller circular piece of wood or plywood for the top
3. A circular bearing or turntable mechanism
4. Wood glue
5. Screws and a drill
6. Sandpaper
7. Primer
8. Paint or stain
9. A paintbrush or foam roller
10. A measuring tape and pencil
Step by Step Guide to Make a Lazy Susan
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a lazy susan:
Step 1: Cut the Wood Circles
Use a saw to cut your larger wood circle to the desired size. Then, cut the smaller circle to fit on top. Sand the edges so they are smooth.
Step 2: Attach the Bearing
Attach the circular bearing or turntable mechanism to the underside of the larger circle using screws. Be sure to center it as accurately as possible.
Step 3: Glue the Circles Together
Apply wood glue to the top of the bearing or turntable on the larger circle. Place the smaller circle on top and press down firmly. Wipe away any excess glue that may have squeezed out from between the two circles.
Step 4: Screw the Circles Together
Once the glue has dried, turn the lazy susan over and attach the two circles with screws. Be sure to countersink the screws so they don’t stick out.
Step 5: Sand and Prime
Sand the entire surface of the lazy susan, including the edges, until it’s completely smooth. Then, apply a coat of primer to the entire surface and let it dry.
Step 6: Paint or Stain
Once the primer is dry, you can paint or stain your lazy susan. Use a foam roller or paintbrush to apply your chosen finish, being careful not to create any bubbles or drips.
Step 7: Let it Dry
Let your lazy susan dry completely before using it. This may take a few hours to overnight, depending on the humidity.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Lazy Susan!
Your new lazy susan is now ready to use! Place it on your table or countertop and use it to display your favorite dishes or condiments.
Tips for Making a Perfect Lazy Susan
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect lazy susan:
1. Make sure your circles are perfectly round and the same size for the best results.
2. Use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut the circles for a clean, precise cut.
3. Sand in between coats of primer and paint or stain for a smooth surface.
4. Use screws that are short enough to not go through the top of the lazy susan.
5. Apply two or three coats of paint or stain for a durable finish.
6. If you’re using your lazy susan for food, use a food-grade finish for safety.
7. You can also add handles or knobs for a decorative touch.
8. Consider making a lazy susan with multiple levels for a more dynamic display.
9. Experiment with different colors or finishes to match your decor.
10. Have fun and enjoy the process of creating a handmade and functional piece for your home!
Materials Needed for Making a Lazy Susan
Now that you have decided to make your own lazy susan, it’s important to know what materials you’ll need to get started. Below are 10 subheadings with a detailed list of everything you’ll need.
1. Wood
The most important material for making a lazy susan is your choice of wood. You can use any type of wood, as long as it is strong, sturdy, and capable of supporting whatever you plan to place on your lazy susan. Some great options include birch, maple, oak, and poplar. You should also consider the size of the wood you’ll need and make sure it fits the size and shape of the area where you plan to use your lazy susan.
2. Lazy Susan Bearing
A lazy susan bearing is a hardware component that allows the lazy susan to spin easily. It is installed at the center of your lazy susan and is available in different sizes and materials. You can choose from a ball bearing, the most popular type of bearing, or a simpler peg-and-hole bearing, depending on your preference.
3. Power Tools
You will need a few power tools to make your lazy susan, including a drill, a saw, a sander, and a router. These tools will help you cut, shape, sand, and create the necessary holes and slots to make your project a success.
4. Wood Glue
Use wood glue to bond the different parts of your lazy susan together. It’s important to choose a high-quality wood glue that is strong and has a good bonding power. You can also use clamps to hold parts together while the glue dries.
5. Sandpaper
Sandpaper is crucial to the success of your project because it helps smooth out any rough edges or surfaces. You will need different grits of sandpaper, ranging from coarse to fine, to get your lazy susan surface to the desired level of smoothness.
6. Stain or Paint
You can stain or paint your lazy susan to give it a unique look that fits your personal preference or home décor. Be sure to choose a type of finish that complements the type of wood you are using and any other finishes in the room where you will place your lazy susan.
7. Measuring Tape
To ensure that your lazy susan turns smoothly, it’s important to measure the diameter of the lazy susan bearing accurately. A measuring tape will come in handy for this task.
8. Pencil & Ruler
You will need a pencil and ruler to mark the shapes and sizes of the wood pieces that you will cut. This will help you achieve precise cuts and ensure that your lazy susan is symmetrical and balanced.
9. Safety Gear
When working with power tools and potentially sharp materials, it’s important to wear safety gear, such as safety goggles, gloves, and a face mask. This will help protect you from dangerous accidents.
10. Patience and Perseverance
Lastly, making your own lazy susan requires patience and perseverance. This is not a quick or easy project, but with determination and some creativity, you can make a beautiful and functional lazy susan that will be the centerpiece of your next dinner party.
Tools and Materials for Making a Lazy Susan
Making a lazy Susan is not a complex project; it requires only a few basic tools and materials. Before you begin the project, make sure you have the following essential tools and materials:
Tools
- Power drill and drill bits
- Screws and screwdriver
- Jigsaw
- Clamps
- Measuring tape and ruler
- Sanding block
- Protractor or compass
Materials
- Wood board or plywood (thickness depends on the size of the lazy Susan desired)
- Bearing plate/turntable base
- Wood screws or nails
- Wood glue
- Polyurethane or any paint finish of your choosing
Measurement and Design of the Lazy Susan
Before you start the project, measure the size of the area where you will put the lazy Susan. Make sure to measure the width and depth of the counter or table to ensure that the lazy Susan fits. You can also choose the diameter of the lazy Susan. For a table with a round top, measure the size of the table and subtract about 2 inches from the total diameter. This will allow the lazy Susan to rotate without hanging over the edges of the table.
Cutting the Lazy Susan Board
You can use a jigsaw or another saw to cut your circular board. If you don’t have any template for the board, you use a compass or protractor to draw a circle on the board. Measure the diameter of the circle, which should match the circumference of the bearing plate/turntable. Cut along the circle until the board is the desired size.
Attaching the Bearing Plate
Place the bearing plate/turntable base in the center of the circular board. Use clamps to hold them in place. Mark the drilling spots on the circle based on the holes of the bearing plate. Make pilot holes on the spots, drill the screws, put some glue around the edge of the bearing, place it on the board and screw it tight.
Finishing the Lazy Susan
After you finish installing the bearing plate/turntable base, sand the surface of the board to ensure that it is smooth. You can apply any finish of your choosing, but it is best to apply a finish that is durable and easy to clean. Polyurethane is a suitable and commonly used finish for wooden lazy Susan. Allow the finish to dry completely. Once it’s done and dry, you’re ready to enjoy your newly built lazy Susan!
Time to Spin!
That’s it! Now you know how to make a lazy susan all on your own. We hope that you had as much fun reading this article as we had writing it for you. Don’t forget to share your experience with us and drop your comments in the section below. Also, let us know if there are other things you’d like us to teach you. We are more than ready to help you up your DIY game. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to visit us soon for more exciting tips and tricks like this one!
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