Folding Tray / Lap Desk

Mark the bolt positions on the 24" frame sides and drill the 1/4" holes — straight through, square to the face; a crooked pivot hole becomes a leg that splays its own direction. Then assemble the frame rectangle with glue and brads (screws or pocket holes if you prefer).

Don't fuss over frame strength — the plywood top, once glued on, turns the frame into a rigid panel.

Cut the four uprights — 45° point at the top, 15° miter at the bottom corner — and join each pair with a cross rail into a U. Drill the 1/4" pivot holes through the pointed tops, matching the frame's hole spacing exactly (stack-drill frame and leg together if you can clamp them aligned).

The 15° foot miter is the double-duty cut: flatter footing on soft surfaces when the legs splay open, and the cut corner is the finger pull for unfolding. Small cut, keep it.

Stack each pivot: bolt head outside the frame, through the frame side, through the leg, washer, nut inside. Snug until the legs swing smoothly but hold position — then fold and unfold both sets a dozen times and re-check. Lock nuts keep the setting; plain nuts will want seasonal attention.

Glue and nail the plywood top to the frame, smooth face up. Sand every edge and corner to lap-friendly round, then paint or stain and seal with a wipeable clear coat.

Personalize if it's a gift — a monogram, a painted border — and, per the source's closing instruction, don't forget the pretty bow.