Replies

1. 
   LeeGrinding1 | Dec 29, 2002 02:11am | #1

   I'll guess that your desk is up against a wall. I'll also guess that the floor is carpeted.

   This is your easiest solution...level the desk. I'm going to assume the slides are mounted square to the front and that the desk is actually out of level because it's sitting on an unlevel floor. This condition could be created by the rear of the desk sitting on the tack strip in the back and because it's on only carpet and pad in the front the whole thing is sloped.

   Put a strip under the front of the desk.

   Lee

   Lee Grindinger

   Furniture Carver

1. 
   dmeenan | Dec 29, 2002 03:36am | #2

   Lee -- thanks for your reply -- correct on one front -- desk is against the wall -- it's not on carpeting -- it's on hardwood floors -- didn't think to check the desk for level -- know that you say it it's like "duh -- should have thought of that :-) " -- side to side not's bad -- but front to back I'm out about 3/8 over say 3' feet so I think I'll give the shims a shot -- thanks very much for the advice...

   Have a great New Year.

   Devin

1. 
   LeeGrinding1 | Dec 29, 2002 04:19am | #3

   Dang, I was sure it was carpet...must be time to polish the crystal ball.

   LeeLee Grindinger

   Furniture Carver

2. 
   crt2cu2 | Dec 29, 2002 06:20pm | #4

   Lee,

   This dilemma reminded me of a scare I had years ago after delivering a custom dining table to a young couple.  When I put the table together in their small dining room, their young son put a ball on the table and the ball rolled off rapidly, bounced off the floor and out the door into the street.  While the mom was chasing the child, I was bewildered and wondered what was wrong with the table.  After checking everything for square and correct assembly (finding nothing wrong) I went out to my truck for the six foot level.  The dining room floor was off by almost 3/4 of an inch!!  I fixed the problem by turning the table over and installing leveling pads on the legs, no charge, but to my eye the table just did not look right when compared to the reveal between the legs and floor.  Nothing I could do about that though.

   I also have had problems leveling bookcases, dressers, etc and that damn tack strip under carpet.  Do you have an easy solution?

   sawick

1. 
   UncleDunc | Dec 29, 2002 06:33pm | #5

   I liked that leaning bookshelf in FWW a few issues back. It just arched over the the tack strip. I have also screwed bookcases to the wall. All the weight was still on the floor, the screws were just to hold it vertical.

   With some desk designs you could move the back feet several inches forward without it being visible.

1. 
   crt2cu2 | Dec 29, 2002 06:58pm | #6

   Uncle dunc,

   Yes, one could fasten pieces to the wall or modify feet to accomodate carpets or off level floors, but that would involve the extra steps of either visiting the residence where the furniture piece will live to check for plumb, or altering joinery which may throw off a particular design.  For example, moving a base more toward center would really mess up the classic plinth of a Federal sideboard.  And, what if people decide to move the case to another wall or move to a different home with hard instead of soft floors?

   Problems Problems.  One could really get hung up on all the potential pitfalls in this business.  Just when I think I have one thing figured out another issue pops up. At least I'm not bored <g>.

   sawick

2. 
   LeeGrinding1 | Dec 29, 2002 07:22pm | #7

   I've been down the funky floor road so many times it's the first place I look when problems like this crop up. When doors don't line up...shim the cabinet. When drawers semm possessed...check the floor

   I design assuming the floor will by funky and have, on occasion, gone to great lengths to make furniture adjustable to accommodate floors of all sorts.

   LeeLee Grindinger

   Furniture Carver