Synopsis: Christian H. Becksvoort relies on six different support systems to keep table leaves solidly in place. His favorite is a smooth-acting, pull-out slide that can be sized appropriately for end tables or dining tables, but he explains the others, too. Drop leaves require a special joint and hinge, and he talks about why slides are less likely to sag. Drawings illustrate the six methods: spinners, swing arms, swing legs, gate legs, standard hinges, drop-leaf hinges, and swing and crane supports.
A sagging leaf on a drop-leaf table can be a chronic nuisance, to say nothing of the Christmas turkey that could end up in your lap. I’ve come to rely on six different support systems to keep leaves solidly in place. My favorite is a smooth-acting, pull-out slide that can be sized appropriately for end tables or dining tables. The pull-out slide’s simple appearance and operation complements the Shaker-style furniture that I prefer. But no matter what system you choose to support table leaves, you have to hinge the leaves to the table. Let’s take a look at the best way to accomplish that.
Drop leaves require a special joint and hinge
The earliest examples of drop-leaf tables tended to be rather sturdy and often had but one leaf. These primitive tables had butt joints between the top and leaf and used plain butt hinges, as shown in figure 5 on p. 76. A better way is to cut. a rule joint where the leaf meets the tabletop, and use a special hinge made specifically for the job.
Drop-leaf hinges, as shown in figure 6 on p. 77 have the barrel on one side and the screw countersinks on the other. One leaf of the hinge is longer than the other to span the gap at the edge of the leaf created by the rule joint. The rule joint consists of a quarter-round with a fillet along the edge of the top and a cove along the edge of the leaf.
The rule joint provide s a smooth transition from top to leaf, whether the leaf is in the up or down position. I t also discourages crumbs, tablecloths and fingers from becoming caught in the closing joint.
Six different support systems
Each of the six support systems has advantages for particular applications. Spinners are compact, uncomplicated and work well with smaller leaves, such as those on side tables.
From Fine Woodworking #111
For the full article, download the PDF below:
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Estwing Dead-Blow Mallet
Bessey K-Body Parallel-Jaw Clamp
Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure
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