Create a Stellar Space Rocket Table

Skill Level: Intermediate

Make something that’s really out of this world.

Our space rocket table is great for storing all their special treasures, you can even customise it with their favourite colours.

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Things You’ll Need:

Masking Tape
Sharp Knife
Plywood
Pencil
2 compasses
Workbench- Workmate®
18V Lithium-ion 2 Gear Hammer Drill + 200mA charger + 1 battery
120W Next Generation Mouse® Sander with Kitbox and 9 Accessories
18V Lithium-ion 140mm Cordless Circular Saw with 1 Accessory
18V Lithium-ion Cordless Pendulum Jigsaw with 1 Wood Blade

Download and print stencil

Download the rocket stencil PDF and print. The stencil is created on A0 size, so if you have an A4 printer it will need to be printed as separate A4 pages. To do this, select the ‘tile’ option in the print dialogue menu before you print. Your printer will then print out the stencil as 8 separate A4 pages. Alternatively, you can take the stencil file to a local printing shop.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Stick stencil together

Using masking tape, stick the separate A4 sheets together. And with a sharp knife, cut out the template elements.

Step 2. Draw Around Template

Stick the template to the plywood and carefully draw around it. Repeat this for all of the different template elements.

You have now drawn your cutting guides onto the plywood. Get ready to start cutting.

Step 3. Cut the outer edges

Make sure you are using your jigsaw in a non-pendulum setting. This will give you a better finish while cutting. Carefully cut around the template. It may be best to secure the plywood to your workbench with a clamp. Make sure you’re not cutting into your bench or table of course.

Start by cutting the outside of the template to avoid having thin parts of plywood to cut later, which would make it difficult to cut securely.

Step 4. Cut the inner edges

Then cut out the middle parts of the template and repeat this for all parts of the rocket shelf.

You now have all parts for the basis of the rocket.

Step 5. Plan where you want your shelving

To add the shelves, decide where you want the shelves to sit on the rocket. We have used 2 shelves on each side and mirrored the positions on the opposite sides, which makes it easier to cut and attach all shelves.

Step 6. Measure up (Part 1 and 2)

Using a pair of compasses, measure the width of the base at the position where you want to attach the shelf. Measure this on one of the half cut out base parts. This will ensure that the cut out shelf fits within the rocket perfectly.

Keeping the size of the opening on your compasses, transfer it to your remaining plywood and draw a circle around a corner. Make sure the corner you are using is exactly 90°.

Step 7. Cut the shelves

You can now cut out the first shelf using your jigsaw. Repeat this for all shelves.

As we mirrored the position of the shelves on the opposite sides of the rocket, we’ve always cut 2 shelves of the same size.

Step 8. Smooth The Edges

Carefully sand the shelves to ensure it’s smooth to touch. Do the same for the rest of the rocket, to avoid splinters and making it easier to paint.

Step 9. Mark a spacer in the centre (Part 1 and 2)

To mark out the correct drilling holes for the shelving, you need to draw the centre lines first. To do so, place one half base panel on the full panel and draw a line along the inner edge.

Do the same on the other side. Doing this will leave you with 2 lines, approximately 12mm apart.

Step 10. Mark for drilling (Part 1 and 2)

Hold the shelves where you want to place them and draw a horizontal line along the top edge of the shelf. Then make 2 marks about 6mm under that line, and approximately 30mm from the ends of the shelf. These will be your drilling points. Repeat this for all shelves.

Then make 2 marks about 6mm under that line, and approximately 30mm from the ends of the shelf. These will be your drilling points. Repeat this for all shelves.

Step 11. Start drilling

Use a 3mm drill bit if you’re going to use 3.5 x 30mm screws to attach the shelves. Now use your drill driver in drilling mode and drill all the way through the marks you’ve made in the rocket. Hold the shelves where you want to attach them, lining the top edge up with the line you made, and drill right into them.

Step 12. Attach the shelves

Using 3,5 x 30mm screws, attach all shelves to the base. The 3 base units will be attached by the shelves.

Attach 2 shelves to the full rocket first. Lay this down flat and then attach one half-rocket to these 2 shelves, drilling pilot holes first. Ensure the top and bottom of the your rocket cut-outs line up otherwise your finished rocket wont stand straight. Repeat for the remaining shelves and the other half-rocket.

Step 13. Get creative

Now that your rocket shelf is finished, it is time to give it your personal touch. Get some bright colours out and paint the rocket as you wish.