My son's 3rd birthday was a few days ago.  My wife thought a train table would be a good gift.  She did a lot of research and found a one at Pottery Barn that she liked:

 

 

 

It was pretty expensive.  I can't remember exactly how much it was…I think it was around $250-$300 (plus shipping).

 

I looked around on the internet and found another design:

 

 

It was reasonably priced…but I thought it was the father's duty to build it. 

 

Below is my version.  It is very close the Pottery Barn version.  I spent about $100 in materials.  My wife bought the play mat that is on it in the picture for about $15.  The magic dimensions of all the train tables is 48" X 32".  The top is made out of MDF (Medium Density Fiber).  I highly recommend that for any table…it is very smooth and has high strength to thickness ratio.  I bought some 4" X 1" pine and nailed it around.  I added a little more height to this element.  My reason is simple:  containment.

 

 

For the legs, I just bought Parson legs from Lowe's and screwed them on. 

 

 

Very simple and sturdy.  It hard to see in the picture, but I did create the 2 drawers.  These are just a simple box of 12" X 1" pine with MDF for the bottom.  Add a few casters and it's already to go. 

 

Finally, I just stained it.  The whole project took about 4 hours to do.

 

Download: Train Table.one

I was pleasantly surprised to find in my email yesterday:

As part of the acquisition, we are announcing the discontinuation of the FolderShare subscription services. You will be receiving a refund for your subscription at a pro-rated amount. Changes will go into effect early November; FolderShare subscribers will be refunded the pro-rated subscription fee in the week of Nov 7th.

It seems others are pleased, as well.

My wife just got "published'' in this week's Everyday Cheapskate newsletter.

FREE MAGAZINE. I get an excellent magazine called Creative Ideas. It is free from Lowe's Home Improvement center. It has tons of ideas on how to conquer do-it-yourself projects to beautify your home. They also have a woodworking magazine that has plans to make furniture and storage pieces. Both are free; you just need to sign up on their Web site or you can pick them up at the store. -- Roxanne Y., via e-mail.

DIdn't realize this...but FolderShare is now free.  This comes about 2 or 3 weeks after I upgraded to ther Personal edition for $50/year.  But I am not bitter, because now I know I can get more friends and family using it for its convenience.

Here is the background on the acquisition.  Pasted from <https://www.foldershare.com/info/company/aboutUs.php?>

 

Microsoft Acquires FolderShare, a File-Synchronization Technology Provider

Deal aligns with Windows Live goal of connecting customers to the people and information that matter most to them.

REDMOND, Wash. - Nov 3, 2005 - Microsoft Corp. today announced it has acquired FolderShareTM, a leading service in the emerging space of file synchronization and remote access technology that helps customers access information across multiple devices. FolderShare customers will continue to be able to enjoy the service at http://www.foldershare.com. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Launched in 2002 and owned and operated by Austin, Texas-based ByteTaxi Inc., the award-winning FolderShare service saves customers the hassle of sending large files via e-mail, burning them to CDs or DVDs and mailing them, or uploading them to a Web site. Instead, it allows customers to sync important information, making it well suited for personal or small-business use. The FolderShare service also enables private, remote access to customers' own files from any Web browser.

"Our mission for Windows LiveTM is to enable customers to easily find the information, pursue the interests and deepen the relationships that enrich their lives," said Blake Irving, corporate vice president of the MSN Communication Services and Member Platform group at Microsoft. "I'm thrilled with the acquisition of FolderShare and the opportunity to offer this technology with Windows Live software and services. FolderShare technology will help customers access their information anytime, anywhere and on multiple devices, unifying their overall experience."

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

One of my recent favorite utilities just got acquired.  Microsoft just bought FolderShare.  This deal happened nearly immediately after the heals of Microsoft's accouncement of  http://www.Live.com and the company's future strategy.

I found this very surprising because Microsoft already bought Groove.  Groove seems more aligned with "corporate" and "development" cultures needing P2P.  In contrast, FolderShare is simple "personal" P2P client.  FolderShare has developed a very simple, stable and fast utitity to keep folders in sync. 

I have always believed that Microsoft has been the great "integrator" with the history of good software and hardware.  If you think about Microsoft's catalog of products, they were all acquired, integrated and upgraded.  Some good examples are Excel, SQL Server and Internet Explorer.  However, I do have some mixed feelings about this.  I guess I fear that it will turn into some more complicated or bloated than it really needs to be.  A timely example of this is Microsoft Max.  It's Microsoft's recent attempt at an online/P2P photo album.  It requires both a Passport and a 54 MB download.  Overall, it's not very Grandma friendly.  In contrast, I share my photo's of my kids with Grandma and Grandpa via FolderShare and the built in Photo Screen saver.  FolderShare's download in 646kb in start contrast and will run on any version of Windows greater than Win98.  Take a look at the system requirements of Microsoft Max.  My favorite note is "Beverage and snack. The installation may take a while."

My wife tried to do an opinion survey yesterday but was unable to.  She got this error:

Our word filters are having difficulty with the last name Your. If you’ve made a mistake, please correct your last name and try again. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact us at help@winfreestuff.com.

Sometimes it doesn't help when your last name is a noise word.