I have attached a picture of a sand table and stand that a local physical therapist has contacted me to build.  My original plan on the stand was to use 3/4" plywood for the build, the entire piece is going to be painted. 

Now, my client has requested me to make this unit collapsible.  I was thinking of using cams/studs to make each vertical side removable.  You guys got any ideas??

 

One idea could be to make the top and bottom aprons through-tenoned into the end pieces and then use a tusk tenon to hold it together. 

 

-Mike

Hello Randall,

Looking at the drawing I suggest that you secure a piece of wood on the ends of the aprons, then drill out mortises on the sides top and bottom so the attached tenons will go through and drive tapored pegs into the holes drilled into the tenons.

Another method would be to mount no mortise bed rail connectors and it will be good to go. Screw one section on the ends and the other on each end of the aprons. Then make the seat so it will drop onto a cleat on both sides, but still be able to remove it.

I like Mike's idea, but maybe some KD hardware would work.

http://wwhardware.com/catalog.cfm?GroupID=Fasteners%20%26%20Screws&CatID=Assembly%20Fittings%2C%20Connectors%20%26%20Screws&showprod=1

Maybe something like these.

Here is a thought of a different kind. Sliding Dovetails. Put a stop in the back or stop just short for a built in stop. They are strong and stable. A little wax would help them slide if they got a little sticky. Just  different thought.

Wayne

 

The piece is functional, not decorative.

It would seem that just four # 10 wood screws and cupped washers screwed into pre-drilled holes in the near ends of both of the aprons would facilitate attaching and removal of the sides.

How many time would that happen, anyway? 

Larry

My vote is for the KD hardware. Although through tenons with pegs would work, as would screws and trim washers, by useing the KD hardware you don't have the extra parts and pieces to lose.

KD hardware link

If it's a question of portability just make a box (like a toolbox) that will hold that top tray inside the box.

 

Then make the bottom of the box hollow so you can take the sand tray out, turn the whole toolbox upside down, then put the tray on the bottom.

 

It would also hold any other tools under the tray.

My thoughts would to be to have the sides fold inward by hinging the sides.the bottom would be condensed to less than 1/4 it's full size.

I was think something along this same line. Let the sides hinge in and fold flat and put the tray on the top for storage if that is what they are looking for. If the bottom was on casters, it could then be rolled under a bench.

A-1 Jim said:

My thoughts would to be to have the sides fold inward by hinging the sides.the bottom would be condensed to less than 1/4 it's full size.

Randall my dad had a table sort of like that his folded up in to a suitcase on his  the side legs folded in the middle aad had a support that was hinged in the top of the lid that folded down to keep the legs out strait when in the up position and then  folded up aginst the top to close. the legs folded in the middle and wen closed went not quite half way across it closed with two bail latches on each end and had rubber feet screwed in the bottom. I think two feet were adjustable he used it for an old overhead projector. I do not know how to do a drawing and post it so i hope this helps.

Thank you guys for all of the suggestions.  My client has now also asked if I can make the working height adjustable

Told her of course, just time and money.

 

Thanks again.

Good answer Randall. It sounds like she wants a ladder.