How to build an Extendable Picnic Table

Making the bench frame

Step 4: Cut the curve

It is possible to cut a gentle curve with an ordinary circular saw as long as the blade isn’t too fine.
A general purpose cutting blade will usually do the trick.
This particular curve was cut with an ordinary circular saw.
Obviously, if you happen to have a band saw or some other tool ‘purposely’ made for the task, then all the better.

Step 5: Drill the seat-top supports

The seat-top supports [e] are made from 145 mmAbbreviation for millimeter which is a metric unit of length equal to one thousandth of a meter. 25.4 mm equals one inch. x 45 mm (1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″) stock.
They are 290 mm (11 5/8″) long, angling in 10° at each end. Refer to the picture for visual guidance.
Drill two holes (for the nails) in the middle of each piece, one approximately 25 mm (1″) down from the top and one approximately 25 mm (1″) up from the bottom.

Make the hole size the same diameter or slightly smaller than the nailA short nail with a large flat head used for securing roofing felt, plasterboard, sheet metal to wood etc..

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Step 6: FixTo secure with nails or screws. the seat-top supports to the braceTo make rigid.

On a flat surface, fix the seat-top supports (e) to the brace (b).

At this stage the seat-top supports (e) and the brace (b) are in upside-down position.

Simply nail the seat-top supports (e) to the brace (b) through the pre-drilled holes, ensuring the brace is in the center of the two end pieces (e). See the picture.