Every shop can use an extra worksurface. And when that bonus work area can fold up and out of the way while not in use, it’s even better. This was the inspiration behind this drop-down worktable. As you can see, there isn’t much to it. The worksurface itself is a hollow-core door. It has two folding table legs that are attached to its underside. (I bought these at a home center.)
Before adding the legs, I glued and screwed plywood support blocks to the door to help reinforce the leg hardware. The door is attached with 3" butt hinges to a 2x4 lower rail that in turn is fastened to wall studs. A second 2x4 upper rail is mounted in the same fashion above the door. This rail has a wood catch that swings down to lock the worktable in place in its stored position.
To create the worktable, I attached the lower rail, hinges, blocks, and legs to the door first. After marking my stud locations, I had a helper assist me in moving the assembly into position on the wall and getting it level. Next, I drove screws through the rail and into wall studs to mount the worktable. To install the upper rail and catch, simply fold the table up against the wall, and mark the position for mounting the upper rail. Secure it with screws driven into wall studs, and add the catch with a single pivot screw.
