Suited For Better Things, The Suitcase Upgrade

Gary Hardman
by Gary Hardman
7 Materials
$20
8 Hours
Easy
For several years I have watched people make suitcase tables. It was always on my crafters bucket list but these vintage suitcases were always $20-30 dollars wherever I went. Until last week. JACKPOT!!! Three 1940’s suitcases at an estate sale for $5 each.
So the first step was to gather materials. In the deep recessses of my garage I found old stair spindles and 1x3 pine boards.
Step two I cleaned the suitcase throughly inside and out thinking about how to put together these pieces. I turned the suitcase upside down and started arranging the spindles and wood until I came up with a plan. I decided to box in the spindles at the top and at the bottom.
In step three I measured and cut all the pieces using a small table saw. The pieces fit one inch inside the perimeter of the suitcase providing a solid base. Using two inch finish screws I assembled the top and bottom of the frame encasing the spindles. I learned that if you start all the screws part way into the wood then it’s easier to put pieces together.
Step four. I sanded the frame down. To give the frame a cleaner look I countersunk the finish screws leaving a 1/4th inche crater in the wood. I filled the screw holes and any cracks with Durham’s Water Putty. When dry, I sanded the putty down to the wood. I then painted the frame with Oatmeal chalk paint. A great color to compliment the dark blue suitcase. A coat of finishing wax completed the frame.
Step five. Attach the suitcase to the frame. Using 2 inch screws and washers I drilled through each corner into the top of the 4 spindles. Note to self...do not drill through material. The drill bit caught on the material and ripped the whole bottom out.....Yes cover your ears because swearing was involved. A trip to fabric store, hot gluing material back into bottom and we are finished.
This was a relatively easy project and is now suited for any room in the house. It is also great for storage....
or as a charging station for computers or phones.
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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Judith Judith on Apr 23, 2018

    What did you use to clean the surface of the suitcase?

  • Sue Tatem Sue Tatem on Mar 15, 2019

    I'm almost finished with my own suitcase table but what did you use to make it into a charging station?

    Thanks!

  • That is a jackpot! I started one but the bottom needs reinforcing. I planned on using plywood but I dont have a jigsaw to round off the corners. Any thoughts or ideas?

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