Rotating Server

Imagine sitting on your patio, surrounded by friends and family, with a feast set out and ready to be enjoyed. With a rotating server (or Lazy Susan, as it’s generally called, although the reason for the ‘Susan’ part of the name is a mystery) there will be no need for anyone to interrupt you while you are in the middle of a delicious mouthful.

The concept of the rotating server is believed to have originated in China, where dishes are traditionally shared around the table. Use our simple step-by-step process to make one and then, for some ‘bling’, cover it in

Materials
2 x laminated pine boards
(600 x 600 x 22 mm)
1 x TV swivel bracket (180 mm)
8 x chipboard screws (4 x 20 mm)
1 masonite strip (360 x 100 x 3.5 mm)
1 nail
double sided tape
wood sealer
wood glue
ceramic mosaic tiles
grouting

Tools
jig saw
sanding machine
cordless drill
tape measure
pencil

Step 1:You need to cut two perfect circles of different sizes, and to do this you need to make a jig from the strip of masonite. First measure 40 mm from one end of the strip, then cut a groove 50 mm deep into it at that point. Next, measure and draw a straight line, 300 mm long, on the strip starting from the groove. Also make a mark at 260 mm. Find the centre of the first pine board, and secure the jig to the board at that point by hammering a nail through the 300 mm mark on the jig and into the board.

Step 2:Cut the board into a circle. The jig is held in place by the nail so it should guide the saw so that it cuts a perfect circle with a radius of 300 mm (diameter 600 mm).

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Step 3:Use the double-sided tape to temporarily attach the jig saw to the jig in such a way that the blade is placed 25 mm into the groove.

Step 4: Repeat this process on the second pine board, first anchoring the jig to the centre through the 260 mm mark in the jig. This will produce the second circle, with a radius of 260 mm.

Step 5:Place the smaller circle (which will be the base) on a flat surface and attach the bracket to its centre, using 4 chipboard screws.

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Step 6:Using a thin drill bit, make a small hole in the board using one of the open holes of the bracket as a guide. Swivel the bracket out the way and use a 14 mm drill bit to enlarge the hole and drill it right through the board.

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Step 7: Place the big circle on a flat surface and then place the smaller circle on top of it, with the bracket between the two. Use the hole you have just drilled to give you a view of the bracket and to screw the loose side of the bracket to the board, using the remaining 4 chipboard screws.

Step 8: Give all exposed wood a few coats of sealant, allowing the sealant to dry thoroughly between coats.

Step 9:Draw the pattern for the mosaic onto the bigger of the two circles (this is the top). Following the pattern, glue the ceramic tiles to the circle using wood glue. Allow to dry.

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Step 10: Mix the grouting with water to form a thick paste and use it to grout between the tiles. Use a damp sponge to wipe it off the tiles as you work. Allow the grouting to dry thoroughly before you use the rotating server.