Here’s a quick review of the drink carts made by our very own Chanman.
First impressions, these are smaller than my existing TV trays (converted to drink carts). However, I actually like the new size. They don’t seem like they’ll get in the way (if we happened to be concerned about space, at say the MTTD). They seem like they’ll do the job, size-wise.
Before construction, I was a bit daunted by the fact there are no cross-supports to prevent side-to-side wobble. I asked Tony in advance about using glue on the wooden dowels used in assembly, and he said it wasn’t necessary, but might help make it even more sturdier. I will note that the cart (out the gate) has no wobble, and I think it will hold up fine. I tend to over-engineer my projects to be bomb-proof, so I might have been concerned over nothing (time will tell).
I also observed the edge banding in a couple spots is bubbling or separating from the ply. I didn't think it was severe, and though it's worth noting, I am not stressing out over this. I'm guessing that most people will never notice this. It's sort of standard for edge banding on plywood.
During construction, I experienced some rub-off of the ebony stain used. The carts were made/stained over a month ago, so I assumed any stain was cured. However, I likely ruined a pair of nice khaki work pants (I’ll try to get the stain out). I also noticed some spots that we’re light on the stain on one piece. Tony included an extra piece that was made by accident, and it so happens to be the piece that was light (good call to include that Tony, rather than just scrapping it).
About the wheels.. I recall on PTF a conversation about the wheels when the concept of these carts was taking shape… I recall Tony asking about the wheels, and how they don’t fit 100% into the recess of the base (base is 3/4' ply, and the wheel inserts are like 1.25” long). This means the wheels aren’t quite as sturdy/secured as they could/should be. I seem to recall Tony asking the forum builders their thoughts, and the consensus was that it’d be fine, and that people could always take some steps to better secure the wheels (gorilla glue), or forgoe them (just make rubber feet). I found that all the wheels fit snugly into their holes, and I didn’t use any gorilla glue, except for the last cart, which obvious had much bigger wheel holes. These wheels were super loose and sloppy, so I used ample gorilla glue, and am letting it cure upside down overnight.
Overall, I very pleased. I think these are a good value, and really class up my room. I will still use the TV trays, as I’m expanding to multi-table games (so the extra carts will come in handy). I also think in some instances, I like my drink trays better, since the felt might do a better job of keeping plates and other items from slipping off, than stained wood? But I’m very glad I own these new carts. Well done Tony!
First impressions, these are smaller than my existing TV trays (converted to drink carts). However, I actually like the new size. They don’t seem like they’ll get in the way (if we happened to be concerned about space, at say the MTTD). They seem like they’ll do the job, size-wise.
Before construction, I was a bit daunted by the fact there are no cross-supports to prevent side-to-side wobble. I asked Tony in advance about using glue on the wooden dowels used in assembly, and he said it wasn’t necessary, but might help make it even more sturdier. I will note that the cart (out the gate) has no wobble, and I think it will hold up fine. I tend to over-engineer my projects to be bomb-proof, so I might have been concerned over nothing (time will tell).
I also observed the edge banding in a couple spots is bubbling or separating from the ply. I didn't think it was severe, and though it's worth noting, I am not stressing out over this. I'm guessing that most people will never notice this. It's sort of standard for edge banding on plywood.
During construction, I experienced some rub-off of the ebony stain used. The carts were made/stained over a month ago, so I assumed any stain was cured. However, I likely ruined a pair of nice khaki work pants (I’ll try to get the stain out). I also noticed some spots that we’re light on the stain on one piece. Tony included an extra piece that was made by accident, and it so happens to be the piece that was light (good call to include that Tony, rather than just scrapping it).
About the wheels.. I recall on PTF a conversation about the wheels when the concept of these carts was taking shape… I recall Tony asking about the wheels, and how they don’t fit 100% into the recess of the base (base is 3/4' ply, and the wheel inserts are like 1.25” long). This means the wheels aren’t quite as sturdy/secured as they could/should be. I seem to recall Tony asking the forum builders their thoughts, and the consensus was that it’d be fine, and that people could always take some steps to better secure the wheels (gorilla glue), or forgoe them (just make rubber feet). I found that all the wheels fit snugly into their holes, and I didn’t use any gorilla glue, except for the last cart, which obvious had much bigger wheel holes. These wheels were super loose and sloppy, so I used ample gorilla glue, and am letting it cure upside down overnight.
Overall, I very pleased. I think these are a good value, and really class up my room. I will still use the TV trays, as I’m expanding to multi-table games (so the extra carts will come in handy). I also think in some instances, I like my drink trays better, since the felt might do a better job of keeping plates and other items from slipping off, than stained wood? But I’m very glad I own these new carts. Well done Tony!
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