On the Ball

Strike up a conversation piece in your spare time with this super-easy coffee table mounted on whimsical bowling-ball feet.

 

Score a strike with this inventive
design.

Start with four bowling balls in colors you like. To make the table legs, cut four 3/8-inch threaded metal rods to the desired length using a hacksaw. Use heavy-duty epoxy to secure each rod in one hole of each ball. Allow epoxy to harden according to the package directions. Cut a tabletop (ours is 24 x 48 inches) from 3/4-inch maple veneer plywood (or have an employee at a home center cut the piece to the desired size). Drill a 3/8-inch hole near each corner of the tabletop. Thread a nut and washer onto each metal rod, stopping at the desired tabletop height (our table stands 15 inches off the ground). Slip the tabletop onto the rods through the drilled holes. Secure each leg with another washer and nut.

 

Thrift-store bowling balls are
priced right up your alley.

To find affordable bowling balls, mine thrift stores and garage sales. These bowling balls, found at a Salvation Army store, cost just $5 apiece. You can look for secondhand bowling balls at bowling alleys and used-sporting-goods stores, but you'll pay more.