So I’m designing my first farmhouse dining table and trying to work out the best plan for the extensions. I would like to use equalizers but I’m worried that the distance between trestles will be too far for it to work out. I was thinking maybe build a platform that sits on the trestles, and then attach the equalizers to the platform. Sort of like a table sitting on top of a smaller table, if that makes sense. That way if the equalizer slides can’t fully reach each trestle to provide full support they will at least be supported by a platform that is reaching the trestles.
Added bonus to this idea is that I can semi-enclose the platform around the slides to create a storage area for the leaf extensions, table runners, etc.
Am I on the right track? Should I ditch the equalizers and just create two slides on the ends?
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Do you have a rough sketch of what you're trying to build? And some dimensions and materials?
I'd be interested in seeing what you are thinking about and dimensions. I don't think you need to build top top on a top sort of thing.
Dave and Chip, thanks for responding. I actually worked this out with some help from another forum. Here is a picture that another user shared with me, that happens to be exactly what I was thinking about doing. Validated my conclusions that I reached earlier today. To answer your question about dimensions though, here is my response from another forum:
Still planning so no pictures. Not totally sure about the top yet, probably somewhere in the 78" X 40" range. About 46" between two trestles. About 15" overhang on the ends. So I was thinking if I want it to extend from the middle I would need some equalizer slides that spanned the 46" gap. Just not sure if it's a practical idea or not.
Good enough. I went off and got busy adding equalizer extensions to a trestle table I modeled the other day but it looks like you're all set so I'll stand down.
Edited to add: I finished it anyway.
https://flic.kr/p/2hKFhho
With this version the equalizer slides are not set on top of the trestles. Instead, they are set so the top surfaces are only a small fraction of an inch above the tops of the trestles. Cross pieces could be added (I just didn't show them) to allow the leaves to lay in between the slides when not needed.
Excellent model, Dave, thanks. This is a great idea as well. Looks like it will keep the profile down so there’s not so much dead space between the top and supporting material underneath. I like it. Notching the equalizers into the trestles gives more options for attaching as well, I think. This makes it nice and easy to remove the top as well for easy transportation.
Thank you Adam. I added an image showing supports for the leaves. https://flic.kr/p/2hKMkAe
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