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How to Make an End Table with a Car Wheel

You can make an end table with a car wheel and adapt these instructions to suit your specific needs. This end table was assembled by me several years ago using a cracked wheel cover from my daughter's Cougar. Unfortunately, step by step photos are not available. However, I've made every effort to document the table's features as well as possible so that you can create your own unique version of this end table made with a car wheel.

Things You'll Need

  • car wheel
  • 20" diameter wood round 1" thick
  • two small hardwood center rounds and long bolt and wing nut (for center of car wheel)
  • 20" glass round
  • four 27" tall hardwood legs
  • strong adhesive (like liquid nails) with caulking gun
  • 8 wood screws to secure legs
  • porcelain light fixture
  • extension cord
  • power drill and bits
  • water base primer
  • black latex paint
  • polycrylic
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Instructions

    • 1

      To make an end table with a car wheel, first clean the car wheel thoroughly. Purchase or make four identical hardwood legs that are each 27 inches in length. Stain or paint legs; let dry well.

      Finish the two small wooden center rounds and the 20" diameter wood round to match the hardwood legs. Let dry well.

    • 2

      Measure equal distances around the car wheel for the 8 screw holes to secure the finished hardwood legs to the car wheel end table. (In other words, create two screw holes 4" apart vertically for each of the four legs.) Predrill holes in the wheel and halfway into the hardwood legs, ensuring legs are balanced and holes are aligned.

      Apply liquid nails to one edge of each table leg. Screw each leg onto the wheel cover from the outside eight holes until all four legs are attached. Turn table upside down to rest 24 hours until adhesive has set well.

    • 3

      To secure top piece to the car wheel end table, drill through the center of the small wood rounds, the center of car rim (wheel) on both sides and halfway through the top wood round. Laying the car wheel end table on its side, place the small wood rounds into position.

      Insert large threaded metal bolt from the underside of the car wheel to halfway through the small top wood round. Secure with wing nut through the center hole of this small top wood round.

      Set table upright. Apply liquid nail adhesive to the exposed section of the small top wood round. Center the large 20" wood round piece onto this small round and let adhesive cure overnight.

    • 4

      Cut off the end piece of an extension cord and use as the electrical wiring for the porcelain light fixture. When this is done, attach the fixture to one of the table legs inside the car wheel.

    • 5

      To highlight this end table made with a car wheel, put a new light bulb into the porcelain light fixture and plug in electrical cord. Note the small wood round on top serves as a spacer for the table top allowing the light to escape from the top of the car wheel (rim) as well.

    • 6

      Lay glass piece on top to complete this project. Enjoy this one-of-a-kind end table made with a car wheel.