double tabletop

[devonwoody]

I have finished the console table (but awaiting a finish) and the wife wants another low tabletop piece of furniture about the same height but with the option of doubling the tabletop area.

So I have sketched this out on a drawing program:

Around 47cm high but in solid timbers, no veneering.

Looking for suggestions on how tabletop could swing open, I have drawn two hinges which is pretty basic.

 

[OPJ]

So, you're proposing that the top will unfold to create a larger surface when required? Meaning, I assume, the extendible/unfoldable leaves would sit on top of and be hinged to a wider leaf below...

Biggest problem I can see here, regardless of whichever hinges you would use, is that each leaf will need some kind of support. As in the photo below, a pembroke-style table (with drop-leaves) would traditionally have one unfolding rail (joined with a knuckle joint) to provide support (you can just about see it in the photo below).

This would cause you some difficulty with your design, even if you rotated the top 180°.

Instead, I think something along the lines of this next image would be more appropriate:

He refers to it as a 'fly rail'. The main downside I can see is that you would have to lose your top drawer. More info, here.

 

[devonwoody]

Many thanks OPJ for your comments, you have made my grey matter start thinking again.

BTW, that link will have to be given some serious looking into as well, repeated here by me with url.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21531/21 ... 1531-h.htm

If I use a back flap type hinges inside the leaves (the hinge wont show for one thing) do you think that the fall back of the leaf to the carcass frame could support the tops?

Also been thinking about timber selection.
maple legs,
Sapele drawers one layer
Cherry drawers 2nd layer
Black walnut final layer.
And top all four.

PS, thinking of your drawing above with swinging support, perhaps I could have an hinged swinging support fixed to the side wide rail?

 

[devonwoody]

Going forward on advice from OPJ, could this idea be improved.

 

[xy mosian]

What a great reference folks, thanks for finding it, and pointing it out.

xy

 

[devonwoody]

Actually if you browse the site, like bookshelf and others there is some really good stuff in there.
Pre copyright but nothing changes under the sun.

 

[Sgian Dubh]

I have finished the console table (but awaiting a finish) and the wife wants another low tabletop piece of furniture about the same height but with the option of doubling the tabletop area.

You might consider the pivot or swivel top style as sketched below. That way you don't need arms that fold out and the same base does for the top when it is both closed and open. Slainte.

 

[devonwoody]

SD, thanks.

Wow eee. that pivot positioning should finish my grey hairs off.

I suppose the way for me to go on that one is to make a mock up when the carcass frame is awaiting its glue up.
~Are there mechanisms available to purchase for that type of set up?

 

[Sgian Dubh]

Are there mechanisms available to purchase for that type of set up?

No, you just need a bolt or threaded rod, braze or weld on a base plate, bore some holes and attach the lot with a couple of nuts and washers.

Incidentally, it's relatively simple to work out the pivot point. I might have a sample layout drawing that I could scan, assuming the drawing is still available. Slainte.

 

[devonwoody]

Thanks Slainte, if I proceed down that route I would prevail on your assistance again.

The weather situation and my set up down here in Devon means I could cease any woodworking activity now perhaps until the Spring. I am not keen in starting a project that cannot be finished to its conclusion, mainly because I work from feeling and not to drawings. Its difficult for me to restart something that has been hanging around.