Replies

1. 
   DaveCohn | Feb 15, 2007 02:02am | #1

   incredible! I wonder how he does it. If he has rectangular tables that expanded that would be cool too.

2. 
   douglesso1 | Feb 15, 2007 06:35am | #2

   That is TOO COOL! There must be some pretty special hardware underneath the leaves.

1. 
   Masrol | Feb 15, 2007 07:05am | #3

   Yes ! That's COOL.. as cool as Carlito's Show at WWF. 

1. 
   Joe Sullivan | Feb 15, 2007 08:04pm | #4

   Just remarkable.

3. 
   4DThinker | Feb 16, 2007 02:05am | #5

   Very clever design.  I love that a simple rotation imparts the energy to transform the table.  I've seen tables that transform the same way, but require linear sliding of each wedge, then more work to raise the filler pieces into position.

   I can imagine how to transform a square table, but in rotation you would want to "end up" at the same NSEW orientation as you started.  There would also be the swing of the corners drawing a larger circle than a square table might be positioned to have room for.

   And of course none of the videos suggest where you put all the chairs while you transformed the table.  The filler pieces all hide within the tall apron.  It LOOKs ok, but I'm not sure home much knee room you'd have under that table.

4. 
   nikkiwood | Feb 16, 2007 02:07am | #6

   That is an amazing design. Someone else (maybe you) [psted this site a while back.

   But they don't include any prices. Do you have any idea?

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   mbholden | Feb 16, 2007 04:48am | #7

   Not to throw water on anyone's parade, but such expanding tables have been available at the local "House of Denmark" furniture store for at least 10 years.

   Premium over a rectangular expanding table was only about 20% ($2500 vs $2000) (or 25% based on whether you are going up or down - grin)

   While I have not seen the mechanism itself for sale, I would think that a good search of the web would turn it up - not many furniture mfg make their own hardware.

2. 
   tufenhundel | Feb 16, 2007 06:29am | #8

   I dug a little deeper and found the prices in the range of $45K to $80K. Zoinks! I hadn't seen these tables before, so it wasn't my post. The table design is patented, so I wouldn't think the mechanism is off-the-shelf.

1. 
   nikkiwood | Feb 16, 2007 07:14am | #9

   Well, the truly wealthy are always looking for new ways to spend their money. It's devilishly clever, and the workmanship is superb.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

5. 
   marking | Feb 19, 2007 03:20am | #10

   It makes my brain hurt to watch. And all that in less than a quarter turn!

1. 
   RickChristopherson | Feb 19, 2007 08:14am | #11

   The concept of the expanding table has been around for over 150 years, and Robert Jupe originally patented it. D.B. Fletcher's patent applies to his method of operating the mechanism. I spent some time thinking about DB Fletcher's design and I would guess that the mechanical system alone costs $7000-$10000.

   If you are interested, I am also building one of these and have written a Construction Blog for the process of building it.

1. 
   tufenhundel | Feb 19, 2007 07:34pm | #12

   Excellent blog, Rick. Can you give a synopsis of patent for the mechanism? Is it as narrow as the mechanism operation, or broader, like the fact that the table rotates?

1. 
   RickChristopherson | Feb 19, 2007 08:33pm | #13

   My mechanism is unique, in that I have not seen anything else that operates on a similar principle. However, you will just have to be patient and check back on the blog when I get into the mechanics more.