danish mordern table leaf extension mech

evorg | Posted in General Discussion on March 18, 2006 08:16am

I am looking for plans for a simple table leaf extension system that I have seen on many danish modern table. the leaf pulls out from under the table at each end with a simple tapered wooden rail that bring the leaf flush with the top. I don’t know the name, which would be helpful, and to prevent two days of re-inventing the wheel, I was looking for some help. I suspect the system is very simple geometrics once you know the secret. any one know of a source or name of this type of leaf extension?
evorg

Replies

QCInspector | Mar 18, 2006 08:35pm | #1
When I need info on Danish Modern furniture I always ask a Dane... my father. But he lives 6 hours away so I can't do that for you now.

So I checked with another Dane.

Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking, Book 3: Furnituremaking, Chapter 4 Tables , Dutch Pullout, pages 56 thru 65.

It is a Taunton publication, part of a 3 book set, and all are well worth having.
SgianDubh | Mar 18, 2006 09:57pm | #2
What you are looking for is information on what are known as 'draw-leaf tables.' I've never seen the Tage Frid book mentioned by QCInspector, but it sounds like the same thing.

Another source with instructions is Ernest Joyce, The Technique (or Dictionary) of Furniture Making. Slainte.

Richard Jones Furniture
highfigh | Mar 19, 2006 07:53pm | #3
I have a dining table with what I think may be the extemsion type you're looking for. The top of the table has a short skirt that goes down below the extensions. The inside of the skirt is just larger than the extensions and you lift one end of the top, reach under and grab the extension, pull it out and when it's where it needs to be, you lay the top down and push the extension in so the edges meet. The extensions have two pieces of wood, about 1.5"x3" (actual) that act as the rails, resting in a couple of cutouts in the skirt of the base. There's a flat panel over the middle if the table that keeps the rails from lifting the top when they're extended.

"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
caesars0331 | Mar 19, 2006 11:32pm | #4
Dont think it is Danish, but American Woodworker had a write-up covering a cherry table in which the leaves stored under the table top when not in use. Issue #120 March 2006