The tray measures 15 x 22 inches and features two cutout handles for easy carrying. The piece stands about 27 inches high, a convenient height for serving. We built our version from Honduras mahogany, but another hardwood such as maple, cherry, or walnut could be used. Approximately 8 board feet of lumber is required. Construction is relatively easy for a woodworker with some experience.
Tools needed include a table saw, saber saw, drill, and router.
The tray ends and sides are fastened with simple mitered joints, reinforced with splines thin strips of wood fitted into slots in each corner. The splines can be of the same wood or of a contrasting type. Instructions also provide an alternate method for cutting the curved ends to exact shape using a template and a special router bit. This timesaving technique is especially handy if you plan on making more than one tray. Readily available connector bolts and cap nuts provide the pivots for the folding legs.