How to Make a Mini Lazy Susan

A lazy Susan, a rotating platform commonly used in kitchens for easy access to condiments and other food items, presents a few challenges to do-it-yourselfers. Cutting the round shape of the lazy Susan is probably the first challenge, followed by assembling the device. Any do-it-yourself woodworker comfortable with cutting round objects will find the project within their abilities. Builders can scale the project to any size, although a small, 10-inch lazy Susan is useful.

1- by 10-inch board, 20 inches
1/4-inch plywood, 3 by 6 inches
Jigsaw
Bearing assembly
Power drill with 3/8-inch bit
1/2-inch pan head screws
Adhesive felt pads

Instructions

- 1
  Cut two 10-inch square pieces of 1-inch lumber. Start with 1- by 10-inch hardwood or 3/4-inch thick plywood, depending on your budget for the project. One piece will be the base, while the other will be rotating top piece.
- 2
  Create a circle cutting jig. Cut a piece of 1/4-plywood to 3 inches by 6 inches. Use two-sided tape to fasten a jigsaw to the plywood. Drill a 1/8-inch hole 5 inches from the position of the saw blade.
- 3
  Place a nail through the hole into the center of one of the 10-inch square pieces of wood. Move the saw around the pivot point to cut the circle. Repeat the process with the other square piece of wood.
- 4
  Place the bearing assembly on top of the bottom piece of wood. Fasten in place with 1/2-inch pan head screws. Rotate the free moving portion of the bearing assembly a quarter-revolution to the side. Mark the position of the screw holes with a pencil.
- 5
  Rotate the bearing assembly back to the original position and tape in place. Drill 3/8-inch holes through the base segment at the marked location.
- 6
  Rotate the bearing assembly a quarter-revolution back to the point it was when the marks were made. Tape the bearing assembly in place. Set the top portion of the lazy Susan on the workbench. Place the base and bearing assembly on top of the top portion.
- 7
  Fasten the bearing assembly to the top piece by passing the screws through the holes drilled in the base. Use 1/2-inch pan head screws.
- 8
  Place felt adhesive pads on the base. These pads protect the table or counter from scratches and help the lazy Susan stay in place without sliding.

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