Lexi Webster
A Lazy Susan is an efficient and fun way to store and display items in your home. It is also a quick, easy, and affordable DIY project that can be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, MDF, plywood, resin, or metal. The size of your Lazy Susan will depend on where you plan to place it, such as inside a cabinet or on a dining table, kitchen counter, or outdoor table. You can make your own Lazy Susan with just a few supplies and basic woodworking skills, and customise it with paint, resin crafts, or vintage graphics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $8 |
| Materials | Wood, MDF, plywood, ash, cherry, resin, metal planter saucers, paint, varnish, adhesive, bearings, screws |
| Tools | Measuring tape, jigsaw, sander, router, drill, screwdriver, compass, awl, pencil |
| Steps | Measure, cut, sand, paint, prime, attach hardware, screw, seal |
| Diameter | 12-20 inches (30-51 cm) |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and measuring
First, you need to determine the desired size of your lazy Susan. Consider the space where you plan to use it and choose a size that will fit comfortably. Measure the diameter of the intended area and decide on the size of the turntable top. A standard size for a lazy Susan is around 600mm to 900mm in diameter, but you can adjust it according to your specific needs.
Next, you'll need to gather the necessary materials and tools. For the base of the lazy Susan, you can use a ready-made turntable or create your own using materials like plywood and bearings. If you opt for a DIY approach, ensure you have the required hardware, such as screws and a bearing assembly. For the top, you can choose from various materials such as timber, MDF, or even a ready-made tray.
Now, it's time to measure and cut the materials. If you're using timber or MDF for the top, cut it to the desired size, taking into account any overhang you want. Ensure your cuts are precise and smooth, as this will affect the overall appearance and functionality of your lazy Susan. Sand the edges to create a smooth finish. If you're using a ready-made tray or turntable, ensure it fits within the dimensions you've planned.
At this stage, you should also plan and measure the placement of the bearing assembly. The bearing assembly is what allows the lazy Susan to rotate smoothly. Mark the centre of your base and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the bearing assembly. This usually involves drilling a hole and securing the assembly in place. Make sure the bearing assembly is level and secure before proceeding.
Finally, consider any additional features you want to include, such as a lip or edge to prevent items from sliding off the turntable. Measure and mark the placement of these features, ensuring they are evenly spaced and aligned. If you're adding a lip, you can use a thin strip of wood or other material attached to the underside of the top. Sand and finish all the components as needed, creating a smooth and aesthetically pleasing surface.
By taking your time with the planning and measuring stage, you'll ensure that your lazy Susan is not only functional but also well-crafted and tailored to your specific needs.
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Cutting the wood
To make a lazy Susan in Australia, you will need to start by cutting the wood to size. The first step is to measure and mark the wood according to the dimensions you have chosen or the specific size requirements of the intended placement of your lazy Susan. Standard sizes for a lazy Susan range from 25 to 30 inches (60 to 75 centimetres) in diameter.
Once marked, use a circular saw to cut the wood to the desired size. If you don't have a circular saw, a jigsaw or hand saw can also be used. Ensure that you are wearing appropriate safety gear, including eye and ear protection, and gloves, when operating power tools. Cut along your marked lines slowly and carefully to ensure a straight and accurate cut.
If you are using a solid piece of wood, such as a timber round, you will only need to cut one circle. However, if you are using plywood or another type of wood sheet, you will need to cut two circles of the same size. These circles will form the top and bottom layers of your lazy Susan. When cutting plywood, it is important to use a sharp blade and cut slowly to avoid chipping or tearing the wood.
After cutting your circles, you will need to sand the edges to create a smooth, finished look. Start with a medium-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots or splinters, and then move on to a fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth, even finish. You can use a power sander or sand the edges by hand. Ensure you sand with the grain of the wood and apply even pressure to avoid creating divots or sanding too deeply in one area.
Finally, once your circles are cut and sanded, you can move on to the next step of assembling your lazy Susan.
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Priming and painting
Before you begin priming and painting your lazy Susan, ensure you have a suitable workspace. You'll need a well-ventilated area and a drop sheet or newspaper to protect your work surface. It's also recommended to wear protective clothing, such as a face mask, eye protection, and gloves.
Start by sanding the surface of your lazy Susan with fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a smooth surface for the primer and paint to adhere to. Wipe away any dust with a tack cloth or a damp cloth. If your lazy Susan is made from raw wood, you may need to apply a wood conditioner before priming to ensure even stain coverage.
Choose a primer suitable for the surface of your lazy Susan. For a wooden lazy Susan, a water-based primer is a good option as it dries quickly and is easy to work with. If your lazy Susan is made from metal or has a laminate surface, select a primer designed for those materials. Apply the primer according to the manufacturer's instructions, using a brush or a roller. Allow the primer to dry completely.
Once the primer is dry, it's time to paint your lazy Susan. Choose a paint suitable for the surface and your desired finish. For a durable finish, consider using a paint designed for floors or a high-gloss paint. Apply two or three thin coats of paint, allowing sufficient drying time between each coat. A light sanding between coats will help create a smooth finish.
After the final coat of paint has dried, you may want to apply a clear finish to protect the surface. This could be a clear coat of polyurethane or a lacquer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying time. This step will help protect your paint job and ensure the longevity of your lazy Susan.
With these steps, you'll have a beautifully primed and painted lazy Susan that's functional and stylish. Remember to allow adequate drying time between each step and to work in a well-ventilated area for the best results.
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Attaching the hardware
Firstly, identify the centre of the Lazy Susan structure. This can be done by drawing diagonally from corner to corner, with a straight edge, on the underside of the top platform. The intersection of these lines marks the centre, which is where the bearing hardware will be attached.
Next, place the Lazy Susan bearing over the centre mark. For a wooden structure, you can use a drill to create a pilot hole, ensuring the screw has access to attach the bearing. For a metal structure, you can use epoxy adhesive to secure the bearing plate. Ensure the epoxy is quick-setting to avoid a lengthy drying process.
Now, attach the bearing hardware. Place the hardware over the centre mark and screw it into place. Only the portion of the hardware that is in direct contact with the structure needs to be screwed in.
Finally, secure the Lazy Susan to its intended location, such as a cabinet shelf. Rotate the Lazy Susan until the large hole is directly over one of the screw holes on the mechanism plate. Drop a screw into the hole and screw it into the shelf. Repeat this process for all four screws to ensure the Lazy Susan is securely attached.
By following these steps, you can successfully attach the hardware for your Lazy Susan, ensuring it is both functional and stable.
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Finishing touches
Once you have attached the bearing hardware to the centre of your Lazy Susan, you can add a protective finish. Paint a layer of Mod Podge over the top or use a clear coating spray paint. This will ensure the top of your Lazy Susan is free of nicks.
If you are using a planter tray, you can use vintage graphics or labels, your favourite photos, inspirational quotes, or anything else you like to decorate your Lazy Susan. Clean your tray with mild soap and water and let it dry. Use painter's tape to section off a line to make a stripe, if you wish. Spray with several coats of spray paint, remove the tape, and let it dry.
Make a template for the inside of the tray using newspaper or paper and a pencil. Cut out the template with scissors and set it aside. Attach the Lazy Susan mechanism to the bottom centre of the tray with E-6000 and let it dry. Print out all the images you would like to use on a laserjet printer. Cut them out and assemble them into a collage (you can tape them together if needed). Place the template on top and trace the outline of the circle. Cut out the circle with scissors, fit it into the tray, and trim if necessary. Mod Podge the images into the tray, layering as necessary. Seal thoroughly, making sure to get all the edges.
If you only have an inkjet printer, try to get your images printed on a laserjet printer to avoid ink smudges. If this is not possible, spray the inkjet images on both sides with a clear spray sealer and let them dry before using. You don't want the resin to get to the images, as it can discolour them. Seal the images well if they are printed at home. Pop any air bubbles by blowing on the surface of the resin with a plastic straw (don't touch the straw to the surface).
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to measure the width and depth of the cabinet or surface where the Lazy Susan will be placed.
You can use wood, MDF, plywood, ash, cherry, or metal planter saucers.
There is no "correct" size for a Lazy Susan. It should suit your needs and fit the space where you plan to store it. Most Lazy Susans that sit inside cabinets are 12-20 inches (30-51 cm) in diameter.
You will need a measuring tape, a saw, a drill, a sander, and a screwdriver.
First, mark the centre of the Lazy Susan and the cabinet shelf. Then, rotate the Lazy Susan until the large hole is directly over one of the screw holes on the mechanism plate. Drop a screw in and screw it into the cabinet shelf. Repeat this process for all four screws.
