I've never used a proper performing table of any kind before. Having seen a few up close now, it doesn't seem too hard to build. A case on casters, with shelves, and should one want the option of making it a close-able traveling case, there are more complicated things that can be done. I've seen fabrics draped over them, so that the actual look of the wood is not a necessary component. Some plywood and screws, a good bit of sanding, casters, and voila! Right?

One concept I had in building a table has to do with old boxes. I am looking at doing a show with a farming theme, and I happen to have quite a collection of old boxes from antique sales, the kind with a product stamped on the wood. I don't use them for much, but I can see taking the panels off, and forming the front of a performing table for this particular venue. (I have peaches, plums, etc.) Then for any other setting, I just put the right cloth over the whole thing, and it blends into a more commercial setting.

Am I making this too easy, or can it really be that simple?

Sounds like a great idea, and I'd like to see photos when you are done.

~michael

What a silly question. Why would you ask it?

Actually, I have one suggestion. I could be wrong, but it seems that simply covering it with a cloth would look sloppy and amateurish. Might I suggest having a seamstress actually sew a custom-sized cover that will look good?

I have a few different signs that I attach to my tables with velcro. These are made of stiff plastic (PVC?), and have computer-generated vinyl lettering/images. Each sign was done by a local sign shop at a cost of about $25 each. Perhaps you could have a large one made that can act as a facade to cover the wooden boxes.

If you are going with a farming theme, I would try covering it with a Burlap (get it in the fabric section of WalMart) with a big red bandana set diagonal on that.

Just my take on it,

Sammy the Kid

Seems to me, with a farm theme, he wouldn't have to do anything to the boxes. I can visualize the table actually looking like a couple of those boxes stacked up. Possibly with an internal support system to make them stable (no puns ).

~michael

I've been thinking about making a rool on that looks like an old orange crate. Howeverm my thought wat to make it solid and paint it to look like one. that way no one can see into it.

But he also asked for "any other setting" besides the farm theme. That's what my sign and custome-cover suggestions were referencing.

Thanks for the input all. Deke, I like where you're going. Custom slip covers would be most appropriate.

I would take Sammy's burlap idea if I had a regular generic table that needed theming, but in this case, the printed produce boxes themselves are the theme, and I don't want to cover them.

What's getting my juices flowing even more, is that the routine I am working on involves a shift from a labratory environment with a mad scientist, to the organic farm setting. I will have to design some quick-remove covering that fits the scientific theme, then exposes the "rustic" down-on-the-farm look.

Attach the cloth covers with tear-away velcro, like they use for table skirts, or the drape on a "backstage" gimmicked tray.

That's the point I was getting at.

For those other themes, this is surely the best idea.

~michael

What a great idea with the crates. I have a table I made 30 years ago and saved a lot of money. I also fasten a them cover on it with velcro. So many things you can do if you let your imagination wander.

I had very little money as a kid and even fewer resources for purchasing magic. I made much of my own stuff, including among other things, a Flip Over Box made from one of my Dad's old cigar boxes. Learned to make due with whatever was at hand, which is why I think this crate idea is a real winner.

~michael

Rev - just wondering if you've committed to anything here, and how it turned out. Best of luck to you on this - sounds like a great idea - especially with the versatile cover suggestions.

Since it is a farm theme why not use old burlap bags for the top of the table to replace the material.

Misty - the show won't be until October now, and I anticipate building in early July.

A couple of ideas....If you are going to stack the crates on each other, use a loose "Blackstone" hinge to keep them together once they are stacked.

Also, I would take the crates apart and make them so they hinge or fold flat. A couple of loose hinge pins and they also go together. You also might be able to lighten them up by substituting other wood on the different sides etc. You might use a foam core with the panels adhered to the sides. Or just scan them and print them out and place aged prints on the foam core. I am a big one for lightening things up.

If you are going to leave one crate intact, make a lid that clips in place with a handle and put caster on two side edged so you can pull it. That way you could pack the whole show inside.

Richard