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Astronomy field table


The Warthog

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Often, when I am out in the field I am looking for a good place to put my charts and books where they are easy to get at, at a height that won't break my back, and easily portable. I came up with this design after seeing a plan for a construction blueprint field table, that I subsequently lost. So, the plan for this was in my head. My biggest problem was figuring out the configuration for the back legs. I don't know if this solution is the same as the original, but it works well. I made it a bit higher than my waist height so I don't have to bend too far.

I started with the table top, at the size I wanted, then measured the legs and stretchers from there. The wood is nominal 2x2 spruce, varnished. The construction is entirely glue and dowel, avoiding awkward screw angles, and making a very solid frame. The tabletop sits on four dowels. The dowels are ½" hardwood throughout, and the holes in the bottom of the tabletop are 5/8", to give a little wiggle room while putting the top on.

The pictures show just about everything you need. Just put a bungee cord around it and toss it into the truck, you're ready to go.

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Having a field table is such a necessary piece of kit in my opinion and I do like your design which is practical and light. My only modification would be to have an attached sheet of plastic that could be laid over the top of the charts etc to protect them from dew/frost and so keep everything dry.

James 

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