I am about to make a large 4 leg-dining room table (48×96 closed, 48 x 120 open). I like the versatility of an extension table but am concerned with sag when using extension slides- any opinions? For those who use end extensions so the apron is not split how well does the joint between the extensions and main table stay closed when in use? Should I be considering a (removable) 5th, center leg?
If I decide to use extension slides should I purchase them or make my own wooden extension slides or purchase them? Anyone have experience with the Wabash slides from Northland Furniture & Restoration? Other sources for good ones?
thanks
Jeff
Replies
Jeff,
The advantage to making your own extension slides is that you can make the segments of each slide as long as you want. The longer the slide segments, the more they will overlap when fully extended, and the less they will sag.
I used to work in a shop that used the "Walter of Wabash" slides. They were a real nice product, their big advantage was a rack and pinion gear system that kept the middle segment of the slide centered under the table, so that a center leg stayed there. The ones I saw were all the same length, about 36", so that meant that a center leg was required for tables with more than 1 or 2 leaves, to prevent sagging.
I generally like to include a removeable center leg, anyway, as it takes some of the burden off the screws that attach the slides to the table top. Those screws have a lot of strain put on them when someone leans on the center of a fully extended table.
Regards,
Ray-
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